On 3 July CHAS held an event in Aberdeen for staff and volunteers to share knowledge and expertise about children’s palliative care in the North-east of Scotland.
The event was hosted by Kim Scott, local Community Fundraiser, and was a wonderful opportunity for volunteers to meet CHAS staff and each other. Fiona Harvey, Head of Volunteering, spoke about the phenomenal support the charity receives from its volunteers and how this is used to make sure that no-one faces the death of their child alone.
Paediatric palliative care “no longer means helping children to die well: it means helping children and their families to live well and then, when the time is certain, to help them to die gently” Mattie Stepanek (a young person who died from a life-shortening neuromuscular illness).
Louise Esson, CHAS Diana Children’s Nurse, used this quote at the event to illustrate how CHAS helps families. She shared with the attendees how she works with local families from the point of diagnosis, helping them to live well and then, when that time comes, supporting the child and their family at death and beyond. Families are encouraged to make the choices that are right for them about how and where they choose end-of-life care to take place.
Emma-Lee Davidson, Social Worker, gave an insight into the breadth of the social work service offered to families in the North-East of Scotland, including vital financial help to ensure families do not struggle with money at such a difficult time.
Kim Scott said: “CHAS’s unwavering commitment is that no-one should face the death of their child alone and our staff and volunteers play a vital role in being there for children and their families. We are delighted to arrange this event to bring volunteers and staff together to continue to improve the service we offer to families.”