Lead Representative Introductions - Wales
- Long Covid Kids
- Jul 30, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 26
As Long Covid Kids grows, we thought that it is important to bring our country representatives into the spotlight so that you, our audience, know who we are, what we've achieved and what we continue to do for those affected by Covid-19 around the world.
Name the country that you represent and how long you have been part of the team
My name is Kate Davies and I am the Lead Representative for Long Covid Kids in Wales.
My 17-year-old daughter, Bethan, was formally diagnosed with Long Covid in December 2021. Like many parents, I found Long Covid Kids in my search for answers to help manage her condition. It was the help that I received and continue to receive from the group that led me to volunteer.
I have been in the position of Lead Representative for Wales since Easter 2022 so it is all still new. During this time, I have set up a Facebook Support Group for Welsh parents and carers. This is growing in numbers and it is nice for parents to have a space to talk about the challenges specific to Wales. I have taken over running the @lckwales Twitter page which is updated daily with lots of relevant information and links that can be of use to parents, carers and young people. Over the past few weeks, I have been talking to the media raising awareness that children and young people in Wales need help and support. We are also supporting a nationwide initiative within Long Covid Kids to arrange regional meet-ups for children and young people.
What are the challenges specific to your country relating to Covid and Long Covid?
Wales has many challenges relating to Covid-19 and Long COVID in particular. The Welsh Government believe that Long Covid care for children is better provided by an individually tailored approach which will allow treatment closer to home. They are examining pathways and referral mechanisms used in England to see if these can be successfully adapted for Wales.
What have you been up to while representing LCK Wales?
One of my first objectives was to increase awareness in Welsh schools of the prevalence of Long Covid in children and what schools can do to help and support our children. I have already made contact with the Education Secretary, who has agreed to meet with me to discuss this.
Welsh Long Covid children - many of whom are educated bilingually - face a unique set of challenges. I would like to be able to get the LongCovidKids support guide into all schools to assist teachers' understanding of those who can and do suffer which could potentially ensure that other children won't be missed in the future too.
How do you plan to represent LCK for your country in the future?
In the Autumn, I would like to find a way of increasing our GPs' understanding of the challenges for Long Covid care in children. Being able to see a GP in Wales seems to be a major hurdle and it would be nice to be able to persuade the Health Minister to meet with some of the children, to understand the difficulties that they face and to begin to find a way to work together.
Find out more about our visit to No 10 Downing Street on 1st April 2022 to launch the new Long Covid Kids' Support Guide.
BBC - Long Covid: Children affected take fight to Downing Street
BBC - Yeovil long Covid patient delivers Downing Street petition
Press & Journal - ‘We need help’: Nine-year-old girl battling long Covid in plea to the prime minister
SKY FYI - FYI episode 166 - Shown on SKY news.
Daily Express - Long Covid campaigners descend on Downing Street as 119,000 UK kids suffer horror symptoms
About
In 2021 Long Covid Kids became the first UK-based, international registered charity advocating for families, children and young people living with Long Covid.
The charity focuses on the recognition, support and recovery, has already received recognition from the NHS and the Centre for Disease Control in the USA, and is a recommended resource in the NICE Long Covid guidelines.
Our Mission
Purpose
We believe all children should be able to thrive and look forward to a positive future. That is why we represent and support children and young people living with Long Covid and related illnesses and the parents and caregivers that look after them.
Our Vision
To achieve recognition, support and recovery for Long Covid and related illnesses in children and young people
Support Our Work
While children are living with life-changing symptoms and families struggle to seek support, we need to be here. Your donation will be used directly to support families living with Long Covid. Find out more about our Impact.
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