Serious and Chronic Illness Support
Ongoing research has found that Beads of Courage helps alleviate treatment induced stress and anxiety, benefitting a child’s mental health and wellbeing, whilst their medical needs are fulfilled by the NHS. This happens best when the programme is distributed at the point of care in the hospitals.
Beads of Courage UK currently run 6 programmes; Oncology/Haematology, Cardiac, Chronic, Burns, NICU and Siblings.
For further information on how to enrol your hospital/ward please email info@beadsofcourageuk.co.uk
Oncology / Haematology
Our Oncology/Haematology programme is available in every children’s oncology ward across the United Kingdom*.
Be Child Cancer Aware sponsored the programme from implementation through to 2019, however we are now incredibly proud to be sponsored by Children with Cancer UK. The oncology/haematology programme supports ages 0 through to 24.
Oncology is supported from induction, through treatment, surgeries, maintenance and hopefully to the end of treatment, upon which members will receive a purple heart bead as a symbol of the battles that they have faced.
Haematology is supported through the entirety of treatment up until the transfer to adult services, where members will receive their red heart bead as an acknowledgment of their battles and maturing into an adult.
*Beads of Courage UK is provided to all oncology hospitals that want to participate in the programme
Cardiac
This programme is specifically designed to help them navigate their daily treatments, surgeries, and achievements, providing unwavering assistance through any challenges they may encounter along the way.
CHronic
We understand the unique challenges that come with these conditions, and our programme is tailored to meet the individual needs of each child, providing crucial support throughout their treatment journey.
NICU
The NICU programme is being very successfully run in some of the UKs biggest NICU departments; the programme offers support to premature babies, as well as babies with complex needs.
Our NICU programme has been found to provide great comfort and support to the parents and/or families of these babies, as it offers the family a way to tangibly record their child’s journey through NICU.
Burns
We stand by them during their daily treatments, surgeries, and the triumphs they achieve, as well as offering support during any obstacles they may encounter on their path to recovery.
This programme is thoughtfully customised to meet the individual needs of those requiring burn treatment, ensuring they have the resources and encouragement to overcome the challenges they face.
Siblings
Our Sibling programme was designed to recognise the important role that siblings play in every family.
This programme helps siblings to record, tell and own their story of courage as they journey alongside their brother or sister who is coping with a serious illness. The programme focus on themes which help siblings to cope, and provide talking points to encourage communication and healing opportunities.