A Round-Up from Rockinghorse

2019 has been a busy year for Rockinghorse as the charity continues its support for the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital (the Alex) in Brighton, as well as supporting neonatal units, paediatric services and children’s centres across Sussex.  

Thanks to donations received during the last 12 months, they’ve funded a whole host of projects to improve care for sick and disadvantaged babies, children and young people. Here’s how you’re making a big difference… 

Projects funded at the Alex in 2019 

Earlier this year, Rockinghorse proudly opened The Blencowe Family Rooms in the Oncology Ward at the Alex. The result is a brand–new play area and respite lounge which are being used by patients receiving treatment in Oncology Day Care, and their parents. The two rooms have been transformed into a colourful and comfortable space away from the medical and treatment areas.  

A new service has been developed to support children with suspected fractures. Rockinghorse has funded the Paediatric Orthopaedic Emergency Virtual Fracture Clinic within Outpatients at the Alex. Added benefits of the new clinic include online information and video, to give young people a visual understanding of what is happening. The service is already increasing the number of patients who can be seen and reducing the number of youngsters who need support from neighbouring adult hospitals.  

Following a two-year pilot scheme, Rockinghorse is funding a pioneering service for children and young people with medically unexplained symptoms. The Function First Service is a multidisciplinary team of professionals, who specialise in all forms of medically unexplained illnesses, each contributing to ground-breaking research and diagnosis, and it’s a great addition to the Alex.   

Projects funded across Sussex in 2019 

Rockinghorse has been a big supporter of Chalkhill Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit in Haywards Heath over the years. The charity’s ongoing activities programme at the unit continues to have a hugely positive impact on young people receiving treatment at Chalkhill. Since 2015, the initiative has been in place to benefit inpatients, working alongside the unit’s clinical and education programmes, and has been cited as a hugely positive influence in a young person’s recovery. 

The charity is also proud to support Chailey Heritage Foundation and its special school. Rockinghorse funds Chailey’s therapeutic horse-riding programme for young people. Known as Hippotherapy, the programme integrates physical activities and therapy into the students’ day in a completely unique way. It is very positively received and Rockinghorse aim to continue funding the programme into next year.  

Worthing Hospital and St Richard’s Hospital in Chichester are benefiting from a Portable Lung Function Machine, funded by Rockinghorse. The equipment is being used to treat young patients with Cystic Fibrosis and other chronic chest problems, such as asthma and bronchiectasis and the charity is delighted to be helping young patients in other parts of the county.  

Young people at Tudor House and Drove Road respite centres have been enjoying days away and holiday outings courtesy of Rockinghorse. Many of the youngsters have limited social and leisure opportunities, so activity days funded by the charity, enable the same experiences to be enjoyed as their non-disabled peers. Rockinghorse is pleased to be able to provide ongoing support to both centres into next year.  

Support Rockinghorse this Christmas 

This Christmas, you can help the charity provide psychological support to children receiving treatment for cancer. Last year, Rockinghorse appointed a paediatric clinical psychologist for the Oncology service at the Alex.  

Dr Alice Emond joined the team in July 2018 as the Rockinghorse Clinical Psychologist. In her first year, she has provided a vital specialist psychological support service for children and young people during, and after their treatment for cancer. 

Alice is specially trained to support children of all ages with a cancer diagnosis, supporting their mental health and wellbeing. Alice supports children and their family members to cope with the diagnosis, intensive treatment procedures, emotional and behavioural challenges, and works with families and the medical team to promote resilience and adjustment.  

Alice explains why this service is so important… 

“As the Rockinghorse Clinical Psychologist in the paediatric oncology team, I carry out psychological assessment and provide targeted therapeutic support for patients and their families.  

This support is offered from diagnosis and throughout their treatment and post-treatment, helping children and their families readjust and reintegrate back into their lives outside of hospital. 

I work closely with colleagues from the play specialist and education teams, social workers and other charities to support families’ holistic needs. 

It is well recognised that physical health difficulties can cause considerable impact on psychological wellbeing.  

A diagnosis of cancer can have a significant impact on the whole family. Helping them to understand and work through the challenges together, is so important in promoting resilience during their journey.” 

Referrals to the Rockinghorse Psychology Service are continuing to increase, highlighting the need for its vital support. By integrating clinical psychologists into paediatric care, the charity can ensure that the emotional wellbeing of children and families are both assessed and addressed.  

Please donate to the Rockinghorse Christmas Appeal and help them continue providing vital psychological support for children and young people during their treatment for cancer.  

You can support the charity’s appeal by visiting their website www.rockinghorse.org.uk and making a donation online, or over the phone by calling 01273 330044.