Towers of Strength- Jenga Style.

So having spent a day yesterday sharing and listening to real time feedback from children and young people on the subject of communication- from other HCP's and the fantastic mefirst.org.uk 

I am re-posting the Jenga Blog as it resonated well with the subject matter.

Please take the time to visit mefirst it's a fantastic resource and a way of opening up conversations - good meaningful conversations with C&YP - involving them in their healthcare, their journey,

Time this week has been also working alongside both clinical and therapy teams.

We have been discussing particularly what it's like being a young person now, the many stresses and worries we see presented to us- and the ability to be able to sign post and offer support.

Our "Bucket of Well Being" wall has had some really positive feedback and I have observed many young people as well as parents - spending time looking at the display, without worrying if any of the team were suddenly going to ask them any questions.

We chose the place on the ward which had privacy and wasn't overlooked that way time could be spent.

 

When I offer support,and work alongside a young person, I always share with them that I work honestly and with permission from them I will share information with the clinical team to assist them in working together to a good outcome- a shared working group with the YP and the team.

I often talk about a "Jenga Tower"- when C&YP are struggling to share worries or anxiety so I thought I would share it with you.

• Sometimes in our lives we carry a few pieces, our support networks help share the load and add a few pieces so we build a tower that is strong, supportive.

• Then an event, or need to deal with an significant issue, or a worry happens.
• Sometimes we feel it's coming, other times it sneaks up on us.

• Our "coping tower" stands tall, it may wobble, but people around us bring re-enforced blocks, that may be family, or friends.

• But sometimes we don't acknowledge worries, especially if we feel they are small and perhaps insignificant, or that we do not know where to take them.

• Those small worries are like a little seed, and they grow, they grow under the "coping tower". 

• They get bigger, even though they started off small- and with this the worry builds and the "Coping tower" wobbles.

• The worry now starts to remove some of the blocks - and you carry on a little unsteady- but ok.

• Then for example- you have an exam and have to study- or you have a disagreement and you worry a bit about that.

• The "coping tower" now leans a bit- and the first worry is growing- a few of the blocks are very loose.

• Now you are feeling unsure of all the worries that seem to be getting bigger.

                                      Who can you share this with?

• Then the "coping tower" looses a block, and you find yourself unable to make it stable, and your strong blocks - well they just don't know how to help-  and you suddenly find that you are alone- and have lots of feelings and thoughts.

                This may be the reason you find yourself at the hospital as things have almost  become impossible, and you react in a way that frightens you and your friends and family.

As health care professionals we can support the "coping tower" to build strength, and signpost C&YP to others who can help.

I use this over a period of time during relaxed creative sessions sometimes in the playroom or school room, or at bedside.
Our C&YP have to deal with so many influences many positive, some negative, some confusing and some they just are unable to deal with alone, as HCP's we have an amazing opportunity and honour to walk beside them during this part of their journey.

This week has seen much "Twitter Power" sharing the #CYPexp, with young people using their voices,sharing artwork and feedback with HCP's.
It has been amazing to watch from the wings at all the positive energy support from many HCP's including Head of Patient Experience for Children, and Maternity Services at NHS England, @kathevans2 and @_common_room with an amazing resource-  
mefirst.org.uk - which is dedicated to improving communication between HCP's and C&YP.

It has also been  a week of kindness, care, compassion and engagement, and professional friendship,building these are the values we all hold dear and support us in our work, Thank you  @johnwalsh88 and all the HCP's I have been chatting with.
 

I look forward to the next few months.
 

Final thoughts........

The imagination of two 8yr olds.

Mr Jelly the Jellyfish 

Doug the Dragon

Bob the snail

The fish with no face called Plaice!