Support for parents of children with Cystic Fibrosis
Support for parents of children with Cystic Fibrosis
In 2017, we funded mindfulness courses for parents of children with Cystic Fibrosis. In partnership with the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital (the Alex) in Brighton, we funded the parent forum for two years, which has received notable positive feedback.
Facilitated by the Paediatric Psychosocial Support Service (PPSS), mindfulness skills are taught to parents of young patients with Cystic Fibrosis. The course aims to help parents manage and cope with stressful and difficult situations by supporting their well-being and mental health.
Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic, chronic and life-limiting condition that requires ongoing daily management. This includes regular medication, intensive physiotherapy and specific dietary requirements, as well as routine clinic visits and regular hospitalisations.
Following the success of the introductory courses, we have agreed to fund a continuation course which will run for another two-year period. Dr Sally Clarke is the Clinical Psychologist for Cystic Fibrosis and explains the huge benefits of the mindfulness programme.
She says, “Parents who attending the ‘Rockinghorse Nurturing Parents’ sessions have reported a wide range of psychological benefits. These include improvements in anxiety and depression amongst many others.”
We have also received lots of positive feedback from parents, including: “I enjoyed practicing mindful communication in the sessions. It helped me think about my triggers of stress and try to see them differently.” “The sessions have improved my skills as a listener and helped me notice physical and emotional changes in myself and others. It has given me the confidence to be kind to myself.”
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