Children’s activity packs donated to COVID ward

The activity packs and colouring books have been donated by the Altnagelvin Parents Support Group.

In the last 12 months, the group has fundraised for specialist beds for parents staying with their sick children on the Children’s Ward and for Smart TVs for each of the rooms on Ward 6. The group, which is run by the parents of children with chronic health conditions, aims to make life easier for both children who are patients on the ward and their parents.

Chairperson Lisa Storey explained that the group has been quiet for a while due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

“There is very little we have been able to do because we are on lockdown due to our children’s medical situations. We have been touching base with the ward regularly to see if there is anything that they need or we can help with and they suggested getting some activity packs for the Covid ward. There was nothing to entertain the children on that ward and it had to be something cheap and cheerful that can be thrown away for infection control reasons.”

They sourced 100 activity packs from BitsnPieces that were delivered last week.

The group is also fundraising at the moment for a specialist bed for children with epilepsy, autism and other learning disabilities.

“These beds provide a safe relaxation space, they are not just for sleep. They are designed for children with epilepsy, autism and other learning difficulties but can also be used for children who have poor mobility or poor sleep patterns. The beds allow them to move, roll and play freely. It also provides low stimulation to create a calmer environment for the child.”

Lisa said the bed, which is custom made and costs £7,000, will provide ‘piece of mind for parents.’ To find out more or donate visit: https://www.facebook.com/AltnagelvinParentsSupportGroup/