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WellChild: Supporting Families in Gloucestershire.
Published
Learn about the support that national children’s charity, WellChild, provides for families of children with complex medical needs across Gloucestershire.
WellChild is the national charity for children with complex medical needs and their families. More than 100,000 children and young people are living across the UK with complex medical needs. Many spend months, even years in hospital simply because there is no support enabling them to leave.
Through a nationwide network of children’s nurses, garden transformation projects and family support services, WellChild exists to give this growing population of children and young people the best possible chance to thrive: properly supported at home, together.
In Gloucestershire, we are proud to offer a range of services that provide essential support to families facing the challenges of caring for a child with complex health needs.
One of our key services in Gloucestershire is our WellChild Nurse, Lee Harrison. Lee's role is crucial in planning and coordinating the transition of children from hospital to home. The WellChild Nurse, works closely with the community children's nursing team to provide practical and emotional support. They play a vital role in advocating for children and their families and ensuring that health and social care needs are met. The WellChild Nurse also coordinates care across multiple providers, reducing the number of times families must tell their story and improving the overall experience. This service also helps reduce the financial and emotional burden on families across Gloucestershire by enabling children to be cared for in the comfort of their own homes.
The WellChild Family Tree is a supportive community connecting parents and carers across the UK, offering a safe space to share experiences, seek advice, and find support. Members can join a private Facebook group, participate in events, and receive regular updates through newsletters. The group helps families feel less isolated by providing opportunities to connect with others who understand their journey, fostering a sense of belonging and community.
WellChild organises a variety of events available to Gloucestershire families, enabling them to connect, share experiences, and enjoy activities together.
- Tea & Talk: These virtual events allow parents and carers to chat with others in similar situations. Some sessions are themed with activities, while others are open for free conversation. Participants receive a free goody bag to enjoy during the session.
- Family Craft Workshops: These virtual crafting events are fun for the whole family, including children with complex medical needs and their siblings. Participants receive a free crafting pack with all the materials needed for the workshop.
- Family Webinars: These webinars provide valuable information from sector experts on various topics relevant to families caring for children with complex medical needs
- In-Person Family Events: WellChild hosts a series of in-person accessible events, such as horse riding, zoo trips and more. These events offer families a chance to enjoy outdoor activities together and create lasting memories.
- Competitions & Giveaways: Throughout the year, WellChild partners with various organisations to offer exciting competitions and giveaways. Past prizes have included tickets to racing events, quilted blankets, and Build-A-Bears.
For more information on the support WellChild provides, visit www.wellchild.org.uk.