Health and care providers in Sussex have joined forces with National youth arts charity, Artswork, to commission an innovative digital resource to improve the experiences of children in care.
‘My health appointment - online resource’ is an accessible interactive online resource that explains and prepares children in care for their initial health assessment.
The initiative followed feedback from participation forums where children in care in Sussex fed back that health assessments made them feel anxious.
A designated team of nurses in Sussex responded to this by partnering with Arun Inspires, a local charity, to co-create with children a fun and interactive online resource to understand better why they are seeing a doctor and what to expect at an initial health assessment.
National youth arts charity, Artswork commissioned independent design and communications consultancy Europa Studios to develop the project, working in partnership with the young people from the Children in Care Council.
Designated Nurse for Children and Young People in Care Helen Murtagh said:
“Children entering the care system have often experienced trauma and can be confused and overwhelmed by things they have little control over. They often don’t know why they have additional appointments and that this can cause them to feel anxious.”
“The online resource uses bright colours, animation, and child-friendly language to explain why they are seeing a doctor and what to expect at their appointment. The initiative aims to create a positive first experience that could influence better health engagement throughout children’s time in care and beyond.”
Councillor Jacky Pendleton, Deputy Leader of Arun District Council and Chair of the Housing and Wellbeing Committee, said:
“We are delighted to be supporting Artswork in the launch of My Health Appointment, an innovative website that will make the Initial Health Assessment process not only simpler for young people and their carers but fun too. It transforms what can be a daunting process into something enjoyable that offers much-needed reassurance to our looked after children.”
81st Goodwood Members' Meeting
Appeal Following Serious Injury Collision in Cowplain
Identity Appeal After Man Assaulted in Horsham
Tributes Paid to 'amazing daughter, sister and mother' Following Eastbourne Collision
East Worthing and Shoreham MP to Leave Office
Forces Unite to Promote Safer Riding for Motorcyclists
Gatwick Worst Airport in UK for Flight Delays
Man Jailed Following Shop Burglary in Chichester
UPDATE: Further Measures Put in Place to Tackle Barnham Crime
SENTENCED: Airline Passenger Jailed Over Assault on Gatwick-Bound Flight
On Air