Local children and their families were invited to attend a fun and educational event in February to learn more about asthma and the impacts of indoor and outdoor air quality.
The event, which took place at the Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Smethwick, provided the opportunity for parents to speak with paediatric consultants, respiratory nurses and asthma specialists, and ask them any questions they have about asthma.
It was organised by the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB) in partnership with Sandwell & West Birmingham NHS Trust, Sandwell Council, the Dog Duck and Cat Trust and the George Coller Memorial Fund, to help improve the health of young people living with asthma.
Those who attended were given the opportunity to discuss the high levels of asthma risk experienced by children and young people, parent’s views on barriers to receiving asthma support and how schools can be asthma friendly, as well as the importance of tackling health inequalities through housing and health partnerships.
An asthma themed art activity workshop was hosted for children and young people, to learn more about the impact air pollution can have on asthma, and local charity, The Dog, Duck and Cat Trust, also attended to present “Moggy’s New Medicine", its dedicated children’s asthma book created in partnership with the local NHS.
Joanne Hamilton, Respiratory Nurse Specialist and CYP Practitioner at the NHS Black Country ICB, said: “Asthma is a common but very serious, and sometimes life-threatening, medical condition in children and young people, with around one in 11 children and young people in the UK living with asthma.
“As a parent or carer, it’s sometimes hard to know the best way to look after your child’s asthma, so they can play with friends, do sports and go to school, without asthma symptoms getting in the way. But you’re not alone - there’s support and advice available to help your child stay well.
“That’s why it was great to speak to families at the event, giving them the opportunity to share their experiences of caring for a child with asthma and discuss any concerns with healthcare professionals, while also learning about the impact that air quality, both indoors and outdoors, can have on children’s asthma.”
There was a special guest who visited the workshop as a surprise for the children attending - George-o-saurus, the asthma dinosaur mascot from The George Coller Memorial Fund, a charity dedicated to raising awareness about asthma.
Kim Douglas founded the George Coller Memorial Fund in memory of her son, who died in his sleep in 1996 after suffering from asthma. She said: “It’s vital that we continue to raise awareness of asthma and ultimately improve the care that is given to children and young people who are living with this condition.
“Events like this are really important to help children, young people and their families learn and improve their understanding of asthma, its management and when and how to seek help.”
You can find more information about the George Coller Memorial Fund online.
