MITRE funded 50 stress-relieving sensory toys for teenagers and young people who visit the Paediatric Rheumatology Service at Musgrave Park Hospital. While the service provides a range of toys and awards for younger children, there is little support for older teenagers.
Many of the young people cared for by the service live with chronic inflammatory conditions that require frequent invasive procedures such as blood tests, injections, and intravenous treatments. These procedures are often repeated over many years, which can lead to significant anxiety, distress, and needle-related fears.
Providing sensory stress toys would offer a practical distraction tool that would help promote a sense of comfort and control during difficult procedures.
These sensory toys will make a meaningful difference to many of the young people who attended the service. They will also serve as a lasting reminder that the service recognises and values the emotional challenges of living with a chronic condition.