We want to share the word far and wide about some of the initiatives our charity partner Teenage Cancer Trust has instigated to help it continue to raise the funds it needs during these challenging times.
Debbie Jones, senior relationship manager, Wales, explains that the many young people with cancer across the UK are particularly at risk from COVID-19. “They may face even greater uncertainty and isolation than ever before, with healthcare services incredibly stretched,” Debbie says. “Cancer doesn’t stop for anything, so however long this crisis lasts, young people will need our support more than ever.”
She says that the charity’s specialist nurses and support teams are working unbelievably hard for young people with cancer. Yet, at the same time, they are being mobilised to help with the national effort to tackle coronavirus. So, to help them and young people with cancer, the charity is moving quickly to create innovative new ways of providing support, including through digital technology, to make sure they get the best possible advice on how COVID-19 may affect them.
However, since most of the charity’s fundraising activities and events have been cancelled or postponed, including a sold-out week of music and comedy at the Royal Albert Hall, they are calling for supporters to help in other ways.
Debbie says: “Many of our supporters have already been in touch asking how they can help us be there for young people with cancer at this toughest of times. If you can help, then please do donate today. Whatever you’re able to give will make a difference. We cannot let young people with cancer face this crisis alone.”
The Child of Wales Awards is proud to be supporting the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) Cymru/Wales, helping it continue its work supporting children, young people and their families throughout Wales.
In these unprecedented times, we caught up with Debs Davis, Childline Service Manager for Wales, who explains how the NSPCC is responding to the coronavirus pandemic.
“The NSPCC’s Childline service has been inundated with contacts from children and young people about Coronavirus, and these are steadily increasing,” Davis said.
“Childline has already counselled hundreds of children and young people concerned about the virus, and young people are finding additional support in one another on our online message boards.
“Young people aged between 12 and 15 are the most common age group to contact us with worries about coronavirus, but it’s important in these uncertain times that we are talking to our children of all ages and addressing any concerns they may have.
“Common issues children are discussing include anxiety, exacerbated by the disruption of their normal routines due to school closures, as well as the inescapable 24/7 news coverage. This is difficult to comprehend as an adult, but it can be even more challenging for a child to process.
“It makes sense that the constant influx of bad news can be very overwhelming for a child. Many young people are already coping with challenges in some way, whether that’s school, friendships, or just growing up. At this transitional point in their lives, the extra pressure caused by COVID-19 can be very difficult for young people to cope with.
“Common issues discussed by young people include being scared about catching the Coronavirus, concern for family members, and worries of dying.
“With round-the-clock news showing pictures of empty shops and charts of death rates, it makes sense that young people in Wales are picking up on the situation and panicking.
“One young person told Childline: ‘This virus has brought my anxiety up more than anything else in my life.’
“Another added: ‘Everyone is radicalising it and scaring me to the point I’m scared I may do something to myself and I don’t want to face the world because I’m too scared of the virus.’
“We know that some young people don’t get on with their family or feel unsafe at home, and for these young people it’s a particularly challenging time.
“One young person told us: ‘School is my safe, happy place and no matter how bad things at home got it was almost always somewhere I could trust to be safe or, at least, safer than home.’
“Racially charged bullying has been mentioned in some cases due to Coronavirus originating from China.
“My advice to parents, carers and professionals on talking to children about the virus is to balance helping them to understand the facts whilst providing emotional support.
“It’s important not to shy away from talking about the coronavirus with your children. They may have already picked up snippets of information from social media or the news, and even though they haven’t discussed it with you they may be wondering what it means for them and people they care about. Be calm, honest and informed when talking to them about news related to the coronavirus.
“Begin the conversation by asking them what they already know about it. Reassure them that you are going to listen to them, remove any distractions and mute any sounds so that you can give them your full attention.
“Try not to interrupt when they talk to you about it, just let them say what they need to say and pay attention. If they address fears, be sure not to dismiss them. Children will be taking in a lot of information now, and anxious minds can create a variety of worries.
“When they’ve finished, calmly explain the facts of the situation. You can find these through NHS and World Health Organisation sites, with advice on what we know about COVID-19 and how to help protect yourself from it. It’s important to be honest and tailor what you say to their maturity.
“At Childline we know that it can be daunting to try and help a child through challenging times. We recommend that you encourage them to use Childline’s online message boards to talk to other young people about how they’re feeling. They can also draw pictures and play games to relax and have fun.
“Talking to people will help a young person realise they are not alone. It’s important we allow them to make time for themselves, create a routine to limit the impact having time off can have on things like mood and sleep, as well as keep them busy with things like exercise, schoolwork or hobbies.”
Children can also speak to a trained Childline counsellor for free using the Childline website, or by calling 0800 1111.
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