Sandy is 5 years old and needs to get his blood taken. He feels nervous about this. With the help of Health Play Specialist, Melody (and Bear) he visits The Teddy Hospital to learn more about his health rights where he takes part in health-related play. Our story begins with Sandy visiting the hospital with his Mum and Dad. With Melody, he works through his anxieties by familiarising himself with medical equipment and playing with Bear and Melody, to see what getting his blood taken is like.
After Sandy’s story ends in this book, we have created a section especially for grown-ups. This section explains how to support children who may struggle to deal with new or unfamiliar situations. It aims to give an insight into behaviour and how we can use stories, play, breathing, and relaxation to calm and support a nervous child. A key to connecting with children and young people is using health-related play. Through the use of health-related play, the book tells the story of how Sandy worked through his anxieties to understand what was going on and to participate in decisions that affected their healthcare. This use of health-related play lies at the heart of a rights-based approach that helps children meet their healthcare rights.
It recognises that play is essential to healthy development from birth to adulthood, contributing to the capacity for learning, resilience, and the development of physical, cognitive, social, and emotional skills. The book also informs adults about these rights, helping to gain insights into ways of meeting them. It is always worth remembering that to a child, play is about having fun, but to society it is much more.
The first part of the book is aimed at children, while the second part offers practical help and useful links for adults who are supporting these children. It aims to give an insight into behaviour and how we can use stories, play, breathing, and relaxation to calm and support a nervous child. A key to connecting with children and young people is using health-related play.
The book costs £6.99 plus P&P and is now available to purchase through our PAYPAL Web Shop.
