Day of Difference Foundation
In addition to normal fund-raising activities the Day of Difference Foundation has broadened its scope to include activities that are now incorporated in their Family Support Program (FSP). Areas the program covers includes:
- Accommodation
- Family Support
- Child Life Therapy
- Family Burns Camps
- Specialist Equipment
- Communication
The Family Support Program will require the introduction and operations of both a Family Support Coordinator (FSC) and a Family Support Program Manager (FSPM).
The Family Support Program
Working for critically injured children over the last five years has given staff at the Day of Difference Foundation the opportunity to talk to many of the families of children who have faced trauma through pediatric accidental critical injury. Through sharing with families and discussing with them the struggles, problems and worries they faced when their child was critically injured, the Day of Difference Foundation have identified a need for support.
As well as the obvious health concerns there are often issues, particularly with families from rural or remote areas, of feeling lost and over-whelmed – not having support from family and local friends, not knowing who they should talk to, not knowing where they could get accommodation, not even knowing how to get around the area. Learning about the difficulties and stresses that families go through during this traumatic time has prompted the Day of Difference Foundation to propose a specific program that aims to address these issues by the introduction of the Family Support Program.
The Role of a Family Support Coordinator (FSC)
The FSC would not be a counsellor or medical advisor, but instead would shoulder some of the day to day burden that is experienced by parents and carers of children in hospital. They would be a constant in the ever changing journey from emergency to recovery.
Unlike an illness such as cancer, where the patient would generally be based in an Oncology Unit of a hospital – critical injuries can be so varied that children often find themselves located throughout the hospital environment, whether it is the Neurology Unit or the Burns Unit. This makes the process of finding someone that understands their unique situation quite difficult and burdensome. Having a familiar face that has been around from the start of their journey within the hospital brings a certain amount of security and comfort.
The FSC would act as an advocate for families to help organise some of their basic needs like accommodation, clothes, booking counselling sessions, etc. In addition to this they would also offer the families’ services, such as the use of a laptop computer, so that parents can utilise Skype to communicate with their family and friends – maybe even other children that they have had to leave behind at home. The computer would give them access to the internet, so that they can research their child’s condition, send emails or even pay bills on line, as unfortunately life’s obligations such as mortgages and bills, don’t stop coming in just because of a crisis.
Along with emotional support and a laptop, the FSC would also provide a parent pack of basic needs, offer assistance in locating accommodation, help families find their way around the hospital and surrounding area and offer information to families about services that may relate to their child’s condition, both in hospital and when they head home.
Entoures Promise
Entoure are in a unique position to help support and fund an Australian First and are looking to direct funds raised from the Entoure Cycle Classic Kingscliff 2010 to support the Day of Difference Foundations Family Support Program; and to fund Australia’s very first Family Support Coordinator. We encourage people to get behind this great cause and to give generously. Funds raised from the Kingscliff event will go towards the appointment of a Family Support Coordinator to be stationed at the Royal Children’s Hospital Brisbane. Help us fund what will clearly be an angel to the parents and families in need of support.
For information about some of entoures other initiatives, click on the hyperlinks below.