Confused about where to go when you or a loved one needs medical help?
It can be tricky to know where to get advice when you are ill or in pain, and choosing the wrong service can mean longer waits, more stress, and extra pressure on our NHS.
Our #RightCareRightPlace guide can help you make the right choice, quickly, safely and as close to home as possible.
Tracy Gilbert MP has condemned the SNP Government over damning figures showing years long waits for vital gynaecological treatment, with NHS Lothian among the health boards failing women across Scotland.
New data obtained by Scottish Labour reveals that, despite repeated promises to prioritise women’s health, the average wait for inpatient gynaecology treatment in NHS Lothian has barely improved, in fact, it has fallen by just 12% since 2019/20, even as demand has surged.
Tracy Gilbert MP said: “This data shows a staggering failure of leadership from the SNP. Women in Lothian are being forced to wait far too long for care, often in pain, often in silence, while the Government spins promises that never materialise.A 12% decrease over five years is not progress: it’s complacency. Women deserve better.
“They deserve a health system that works for them, not against them. Scottish Labour will tackle waiting times head-on, because women’s health can’t wait.”
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is urging people to mark International Self-Care Day by thinking carefully about how they can take care of their own health and wellbeing.
Self-care is anything we do to keep ourselves mentally, emotionally, physically, socially and spiritually healthy. It could be something as simple as taking a walk, eating healthily or spending time with friends.
International Self-Care Day is observed every year on the 24th of July to underscore the role of self-care as a “24/7” consideration in preventing illness, managing chronic conditions, improving mental health, and helping to support the NHS.
Beatrix Von Wissmann, Consultant in Public Health at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “Self-care is one of the simplest and most effective ways people can help themselves while also supporting the NHS.
“We often view self-care as a ‘luxury’ and it’s usually the first thing to go when our life or work gets busy, demanding and challenging. However, if we don’t practice and prioritise self-care, we risk our well-being and invite burnout.
“Being active, having a healthy diet and planning ahead are all small steps that can make a huge difference.”
Here are a few simple ways to take care of yourself, and support the NHS:
Get active: Do what works for you. A gentle walk, wheel or some exercise can get you out in nature and fresh air, simple steps that are proven to lift your spirits and boost your physical health.
Eat a balanced diet: Healthy eating is essential for maintaining overall wellbeing. You can find advice here.
Find support: Our dedicated mental health app can help you recognise and manage triggers, be aware of your symptoms, and discover tips for managing your mental health and wellbeing, including sleep, breathing exercises, eating healthy food or starting a new routine.
Quit smoking: You can get support to stop smoking through the Quit Your Way service.
Get the right help when you need it: Getting the right help, from the right place, at the right time is one of the best things we can all do to look after ourselves and to help ease the pressure on the NHS. By doing this, people help us to prioritise care for the most urgent and life-threatening cases, while also being more convenient and simpler for you. Every community pharmacy in Scotland provides the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland service, which offers advice, support and treatment for a range of minor ailments from coughs and colds to earache and heartburn. Anyone can walk in and be seen by a qualified member of the pharmacy team, with no appointment necessary.
Get ready: Here are some common treatments and can be useful to have to hand to treat minor symptoms. If you are unsure about symptoms or have concerns or questions about taking any treatment, please speak to your local community pharmacist:
Painkillers – paracetamol and ibuprofen tablets for headaches, pain or fever.
Antiseptic cream – to help clean minor cuts and abrasions.
Plasters and bandages – having a small selection to hand will help with a range of cuts and scrapes.
Antihistamines – to treat mild allergic reactions and hay fever.
Practice good hand hygiene to stop the spread of infection.
Choosing self-care where appropriate helps to support a sustainable NHS for everyone. For further information about prioritising self-care, you can download more tips here.
For urgent conditions which are not life-threatening, we would ask people to contact NHS 24 on 111. They will ensure you are referred to the most appropriate service for your condition, which could include a Minor Injuries Unit or our Virtual A&E.
Help is also available in the community, with GPs, pharmacies, dentists and opticians providing a range of services. Accessing the right care is as easy as ABC:
Ask yourself: Do I need to go out? For information on keeping yourself well and treating minor illnesses and injuries from home, go to NHS Inform or download the NHS24 app.
Be aware: There is help right on your doorstep. Your local GP, pharmacy, dentist, or optician offer a range of services.
Call 111: If it’s urgent, or you’re not sure, call NHS24 on 111. They’ll make sure you get the help you need.
Please remember, if you think your condition or injury is very urgent or life-threatening, you should call 999 or go to A&E immediately.
For more information on accessing the care you need, please go to:
CHI in Local Government Project brings together key partners to deliver better outcomes for citizens
A new project exploring the use of the Community Health Index (CHI) number in Scottish Local Government has been awarded £590,000 funding from the Scottish Government.
The ‘CHI in Local Government’ project, led by COSLA, the Digital Office for Scottish Local Government, and Public Health Scotland, seeks to improve information sharing across health, social work, and social care services.
The Community Health Index (CHI) System, which has underpinned NHS Scotland’s digital infrastructure for over 40 years, provides a unique patient number used across the health service. It supports everything from immunisation and screening programmes to primary and secondary care delivery.
The CHI In Local Government project aims to use the CHI number to improve the quality of the data services hold, allow services across health, social work, and social care to better match data, and ultimately deliver better outcomes for our citizens.
Accessing health, social work, and social care services all too often requires people to repeat their information. Using the CHI number as a common identifier across health, social work, and social care will reduce this duplication and improve integration of services. To deliver the highest standard of care, it is essential that our workforce have access to the right information at the right time.
The aims of the CHI in Local Government project align clearly with the ambitions set out in the joint COSLA and Scottish Government Digital strategy, Care in the Digital Age, and Data strategy, Greater Access, Better Insight, Improved Outcomes.
Both strategies emphasise the importance of robust information governance and seamless data sharing across health and social care.
Councillor Paul Kelly, COSLA Health and Social Care Spokesperson, said:“I am delighted that the CHI in Local Government project has received funding to progress to the Discovery phase.
“By using CHI more widely across our Councils we can improve data matching and, crucially, reduce the amount of times people accessing our services have to repeat their information.
“I look forward to continuing to champion this work as it progresses and ultimately delivers better outcomes for our citizens.”
Tom Arthur, Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing, said:“In line with the priorities recently set out in the Health and Social Care Service Renewal Framework, I am pleased to support this project.
“Using CHI numbers in social care means people will get a better level of service. By allowing information to be shared safely and confidentially between professionals, we can reduce duplication of work, and the time staff have to spend on administrative tasks.
“It will further embed the integration of health and social care and help in preparations for the health and social care online app, launching in Lanarkshire later this year.”
Martyn Wallace, Chief Digital Officer, Digital Office for Scottish Local Government, said:“I am thrilled with this significant investment as we continue to work closely with our public sector partners to enhance our digital services for citizens.
“By utilising the Community Health Index (CHI), we will streamline access to services, reduce the need for individuals to repeat their information, and ensure timely delivery of care.
“This initiative will also promote better integration of health and social care services, support other collaborative digital projects like the new Health & Social Care App, and ultimately improve outcomes for our citizens.”
Scott Heald, Director of Data and Digital Innovation, Public Health Scotland said:“Our vision at Public Health Scotland (PHS) is focused on ensuring communities can flourish across Scotland.
“We bring together data and intelligence to shape decisions affecting health and care. This work to adopt the Community Health Index (CHI) in Scottish Local Government will make a huge contribution towards how we can work with partners to maximise the benefits of digital and data in ways that will empower individuals and communities.
“PHS already collects and analyses data from across the domains of health and social care, much of which Is sourced directly from Local Government systems.
“The opportunity to integrate the CHI into those underlying systems will lead to faster, more efficient, and accurate production of whole-system data on health and social care services and provide insights on outcomes for individuals across Scotland.”
Did you know that over 66% of the UK population doesn’t drink enough water? Lauren Hewitt, Registered Associate Nutritionist at Heart Research UK, breaks down why staying hydrated is essential for overall heart health:
Water makes up over half (60%) of your body weight, and every single cell in your body, including the cells that make up your heart, needs to be properly hydrated to work well.
Water performs many roles, such as regulating body temperature through sweating, lubricating joints and removing waste products.
Proper hydration is especially important when thinking about heart health because it impacts the cardiovascular system in several ways, and we share how you can ensure that you’re getting enough water to keep your heart healthy.
How does dehydration affect your heart?
Dehydration occurs when the body loses more water than it takes in. Fluids can be lost through breathing, sweating and if we are unwell or sick. When vital fluids are not replaced, your body may feel tired and lethargic. You could suffer from feeling thirsty, having a dry mouth, dark-coloured urine or headaches.
Lauren Hewitt, Registered Associate Nutritionist at Heart Research UK, explains: “Being dehydrated causes the amount of blood circulating in our body to decrease. When this happens, the heart must beat faster, which increases our heart rate and our blood pressure, which can increase our risk of a cardiac event.This is of particular concern if you already have high blood pressure or have been diagnosed with coronary heart disease.
“Many studies have found that adequate hydration is associated with reduced long-term risks of heart disease. Being hydrated helps your heart to pump blood more easily through your blood vessels and to your muscles. This means that your muscles, including your heart, do not have to work as hard.
“Older adults are at a higher risk of dehydration. As you age, your fluid reserve becomes smaller, you can struggle to sense when you are thirsty, and your ability to conserve water reduces.
“Hydration also plays an important role in aiding the digestive system to function effectively, preventing constipation and removing waste products from the body. It allows your brain to function optimally and supports your memory, mood, concentration and reaction times.”
How much should you aim to drink?
The NHS recommends that adults consume six to eight glasses or 1.5 to 2 litres of fluids per day. If it is a hot day or you do physical activity, which makes you sweat, you’ll need to drink more.
You will also need to drink more fluids if you are unwell, recovering from illness, or if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. All of these require your body to lose more water and fluids, and you need to replace them to prevent dehydration.
“An easy way to monitor your hydration levels is by looking at the colour of your urine,” says Lauren. “You should aim for it to become a clear, pale-yellow colour throughout the day.
“If it remains dark after your first morning trip to the toilet, it’s a sign you need to drink more. The key to optimal hydration is to drink at regular intervals throughout the day.”
How do you stay hydrated?
Drinking water is the best way to remain hydrated however, other non-alcoholic drinks such as milk, juice and herbal teas count towards your daily fluid goals.
Fruit juices and smoothies also contribute towards hydration however, these should be limited to one small glass or 150ml per day, as they can contain high levels of sugar, and they should always be consumed with a meal to minimise the impact on your teeth.
Carrying a water bottle around with you and refilling it throughout the day may help you to remember to drink regularly.
Fruits and vegetables can also help to hydrate you. They contain electrolytes, which are minerals that play a role in fluid balance, and your body needs adequate levels of electrolytes to function optimally. Cucumbers, celery, strawberries and watermelons are all great options as they contain over 90% of water.
Hydration is a fundamental part of maintaining heart health. By staying hydrated, you help your heart to function efficiently, reducing stress on your heart and supporting your overall wellbeing.
Try the Heart Research UK 30-day hydration challenge and download it today to keep your heart healthyheart healthy:
Innovative pricing model to boost access to support
A GROWING number of people in Scotland struggling with mental health are being offered access to support thanks to a fairer pricing structure introduced by an innovative community interest company.
Connections Counselling, founded earlier this year by trained counsellor Ian Nicholson-Kapasi, is using a tiered-fee model designed to remove financial barriers and offer accessible counselling to those most in need.
Based in Edinburgh’s Drill Hall, the service has quickly drawn attention for its bold stance on affordability. The tiered system sees clients on lower incomes paying what they can afford, sometimes as little as £1 per session, while clients with greater means may contribute more, helping to subsidise access for others who may not be able to afford the same help.
Ian said: “I set up Connections Counselling to challenge the systemic inequality that exists within mental health services.
“We know the most vulnerable in our society are often least able to afford counselling. People in distress face enough challenges as it is. Lifting financial barriers helps create the space for those seeking change, to take meaningful steps toward helping themselves.”
Ian has drawn from personal experiences and years of training to launch the practice. Every £600 raised through the service guarantees 15 sessions of counselling at £40 per session, which will be offered to those otherwise unable to afford it.
While the core cost is covered, clients are still encouraged to contribute a nominal amount, helping preserve the value of the therapeutic relationship.
He added: “Our tiered system is designed to create fairer access, not just for those who can afford therapy, but for everyone. A higher fee doesn’t necessarily reflect the quality of the service, but often how a counsellor values their own time or circumstances. That’s not the same as the quality of the relationship.
“For many clients, especially those working through issues of self-worth, this can unintentionally reinforce a power imbalance. Our Tier 1 ‘pay-what-you-can’ model offers an alternative, one that honours client agency and sees the therapeutic relationship as a shared space of respect and care.”
The initiative comes at a time when the NHS is under unprecedented pressure, with wait times for mental health support in some areas stretching over a year.
While CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) remains the standard modality offered through the NHS, Connections Counselling adopts a more holistic approach, incorporating person-centred and psychodynamic therapies to better serve clients working with challenges such as trauma or understanding neurodivergent needs.
Ian explains: “There are incredible people working within the NHS, but the system is under strain, narrowly focused with CBT as a singular modality approach and doesn’t help enough with limited sessions.
“We want to help by offering longer-term, trauma-informed care that allows people to build meaningful therapeutic relationships. That flexibility can be vital in helping someone properly recover.”
Since launching, Connections has seen a growing waiting list for its tier one services. However, limited access to early-stage funding means growth is being restricted at a time when demand is surging.
“We are actively looking to partner with funders and businesses who share our vision of sustainable, accessible mental health care. Even modest donations can make a lasting impact.”
In addition to eliminating upfront cost barriers, the practice has also scrapped the widely used 24-hour cancellation fee, recognising it as a punitive measure that disproportionately impacts clients already in distress.
“Let’s say someone cannot leave the house due to anxiety, crisis, childcare issue or other common life happenings – charging them for a missed appointment reinforces not just a power imbalance but a financial barrier too – one that might be enough to stop someone who really needs access to support, from seeking it altogether. That is not how healing works,” he said.
“Unless a counsellor also offers money back, or a free next session if they (the counsellor) missed one, then they are actually saying to a client that their time is more valuable than the clients. This is not an ethical approach to counselling.”
While still in its preliminary stages, the practice already has ambitions for growth, including peer-support groups for practitioners and potential longer-term expansions into new locations across Edinburgh, Scotland and the UK.
Ian added: “The goal is to build a community of counsellors and clients who support each other. If the model proves successful in Edinburgh, there is no reason we cannot replicate it elsewhere.”
The service is open to referrals and currently accepts clients both online and in-person around the UK. Individuals or organisations interested in supporting the initiative can find more details via the Connections Counselling website.
£2.5m. fund allocated to third sector organisations
Nine organisations working with autistic adults are to benefit from a £2.5 million multi-year fund.
The Autistic Adult Support Fund, launched in 2023, supports third sector organisations to help autistic adults reach their full potential – supporting them, their families and their carers to understand what neurodivergence means for them and improve their wellbeing.
Among the latest recipients of the fund is The Anchor charity in Greenock, which is being awarded £247,450 to help autistic adults at risk of suicide or self-harm.
Mental Wellbeing Minister Tom Arthur said: “I am pleased to announce the recipients of this funding to provide support to autistic adults and their families and carers.
“All successful projects will meaningfully involve autistic people in the development, design, and delivery of the support. Autistic adults will be helped to thrive – the projects will support them to access services and improve their general wellbeing so they can get involved in and truly feel part of their community.
“Our commitment to multi-year funding will ensure that funded projects have the security and space to develop and grow high quality support, making the most of the skills and experiences of autistic people they support.”
Chris Paul, Chief Executive of The Anchor said: “We are delighted to have secured this funding, bringing the opportunity to support autistic adults in our community at new levels.
“As a local grassroots organisation with big ambition, we are looking forward to taking this project forward.”
Celia Tennant, Chief Executive Officer at Inspiring Scotland said: “Everyone in Scotland should have the same opportunity to lead happy and healthy lives and ensuring there is support to understand an autistic diagnosis or identity is important in making that possible.
“The volume of applications received to this fund further demonstrates not just the need for investment in this area but also the vital role that the third sector is providing in supporting autistic adults to understand their autism to improve wellbeing.
“In managing the application process for this new fund, we were pleased to be supported by a panel of autistic people and professionals from relevant areas, ensuring the fund decisions were informed by lived experience.”
Dyslexia assessment service now available in Edinburgh
Psychological therapy and neurodevelopmental assessment provider, HealthCare In Mind, has launched its new dyslexia assessment service in Edinburgh to provide access to official diagnoses for those who believe they are dyslexic.The private assessments are available for all children up to the age of 16 years old and don’t require a referral from a GP.
The British Dyslexia Association estimates that around 10 percent of the UK population is affected by dyslexia, with approximately 4% experiencing severe dyslexia. Furthermore, up to 80 percent of children leave school either without a diagnosis or the proper support required to reach their full potential.
To address this, HealthCare In Mind has launched its new service in Edinburgh to allow parents to secure a recognised diagnosis that will enable their children to access the support they require.
As well as dyslexia assessments, HealthCare in Mind offers a range of other diagnostic assessments and mental health services. These include fully comprehensive diagnostic assessments for ADHD and autism for both children and adults, and therapy treatments to manage mental health conditions such as depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and mood disorders.
HealthCare In Mind is led by Dr Simon Le Clerc MStJ, and Dr Kate Higham, alongside an expert team of psychiatrists, psychologists and therapists. It exists to provide instant access to the highest quality care to those in need.
Dr Simon Le Clerc commented: “A significant number of students with dyslexia are not receiving a proper diagnosis and, subsequently, are not being provided with the proper support that they require in order to achieve their academic potential.
“It’s important to remember that dyslexia does not affect intelligence, and has nothing to do with how bright or able a child is. But the condition does affect reading, writing and processing abilities, and without a diagnosis, children aren’t able to access vital arrangements and adjustments to improve their ability to engage with the school curriculum.
“Our private assessments are carried out by certified assessors that can provide a formal diagnosis in a timely and stress-free manner.”
Amie Leckie, Health and Wellbeing Specialist at Heart Research UK, explores how good nutrition is one of the most important building blocks for a child’s health and offers advice on how to support your child’s heart health.
In today’s world, where convenience foods are often within arm’s reach, it can be challenging for parents to ensure their children are eating nutritious, balanced meals.
Amie Leckie, Health and Wellbeing Specialist at Heart Research UK, says: “Children can be quite picky, and dealing with a stubborn child who refuses to eat any vegetables can be a real challenge.
However, making small, consistent changes in how we approach children’s diets can have lasting positive effects on their health, energy levels, and even behaviour.
At the core of a healthy diet are three main principles: eating foods as close to their natural state as possible, limiting processed foods and eating balanced meals.”
Prioritising whole foods
When we talk about whole foods, we mean foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. For example, a banana is a whole food and banana chips are a processed food; a potato is a whole food, but crisps, which are made from potatoes, are a processed food.
Whole foods should be the foundation of children’s diets as they are full of essential nutrients, which are crucial for a child’s growth and development.
“Whole foods include fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, lean proteins, and healthy fats,” Amie explains. “Fruits and vegetables, for example, are full of antioxidants and vitamins like C and A, which support immune function and eye health.
“Wholegrains like oats, brown rice, and quinoa provide steady energy throughout the day and help maintain healthy digestion.
“Lean proteins, such as chicken, fish, eggs, and beans, contain vital building blocks for muscle and support cognitive function. Including healthy fats from avocados, nuts, seeds, yoghurt and olive oil is important as these fats support brain development and hormone production.”
Childhood is a stage of rapid growth, and it is vitally important that we give their bodies what they need to grow properly. When children regularly eat whole foods, they get the nutrients they need to grow strong and stay healthy, while also developing their taste buds for healthy foods.
Limiting processed foods
Processed foods are foods that were once whole foods or a group of whole foods that have been modified somehow. When this happens, essential nutrients are lost and often, especially with pre-packed foods, ingredients have been added such as salt, sugar, sweeteners, flavourings and unhealthy fats.
Processed foods are everywhere, and they often appeal to children due to their convenience, added flavours and eye-catching packaging. For parents, it can be hard to avoid these, especially as children get older and start noticing food products in the wider world, rather than just what is in their house.
Processed foods include sugary cereals, crisps, fizzy drinks, fast food, ready meals, packet noodles and packaged snacks.
The added ingredients in these products can lead to overeating, energy crashes, and may increase the risk of childhood obesity, diabetes, and other long-term health issues, affecting children’s behaviour.
Amie explains: “The key to limiting processed foods lies in focusing on balance and moderation rather than completely banning them. It’s okay for kids to occasionally enjoy these foods, but parents should be mindful of how often these foods are part of daily meals. Try to cook as many meals as possible from scratch and limit your reliance on convenience foods.
“A helpful tip is to make healthier swaps where possible, such as offering water or milk instead of sugary drinks or opting for wholegrain crackers and natural peanut butter as a snack, rather than crisps and chocolate. Start with small swaps and layer them as the weeks go by, so it doesn’t upset your little one too much.”
Creating balanced meals
Thinking about offering balanced meals can help parents ensure they are providing nutrient-dense plates that will keep children nourished and full. A balanced plate typically consists of a variety of food groups such as vegetables and/or fruits, wholegrains, proteins and healthy fats.
“A good example of a balanced meal for a child could be baked homemade chicken goujons using whole wheat breadcrumbs, homemade sweet potato chips, steamed broccoli drizzled with a little olive oil, and a side of fresh fruit such as apple slices or melon wedges. This combination offers a range of nutrients, including protein, fibre, carbohydrates and healthy fats, which are essential for growth and energy. The combination of these foods will help keep children feeling fuller for longer and keep their blood sugar stable, which means steady energy and fewer sugar cravings,” Amie says.
Encouraging kids to eat a variety of colours on their plate is a fun and effective way to ensure they are getting a variety of different vitamins and minerals. Different coloured fruits and vegetables contain different antioxidants and nutrients, so diversity is key. Fruits and vegetables are a great source of fibre, which helps keep the digestive system healthy. Heart Research UK has created a Rainbow Food Challenge to help encourage your children and yourself to try some new foods, so download your copy now.
Amie advises: “Parents can often feel a sense of failure if their children don’t eat what they make or try tactics to encourage children to eat by offering rewards and treats, which in the long-term don’t help establish healthy eating patterns. Parents cannot control what children will decide to eat on any given day, but they can, to some extent and at least in the home environment, control what foods are on offer, and lead by example and nourish ourselves with healthy food.”
Building healthy eating habits from a young age sets children up for a lifetime of good health, which includes heart health. By focusing on whole foods, limiting processed foods, and creating balanced meals, parents can provide the essential nutrients their children need to grow, thrive, and feel their best. It may take time and patience, but with consistent effort, the benefits of a nutritious diet will soon become clear in a child’s energy, mood, behaviour and overall wellbeing.
Imagine This, the only UK charity solely dedicated to children’s mental health, today unveils its new name as part of a bold new chapter in its mission to support the mental wellbeing of seriously ill children and their families across the UK. Formerly known as The Murray Parish Trust, the rebrand marks a renewed focus on this urgent and underserved area.
Founded in 2014 by actors Sarah Parish MBE and Jim Murray MBE, following the tragic loss of their daughter Ella-Jayne at just 8 months old, the charity has spent over a decade delivering life-changing projects in paediatric care in Hampshire, where the couple live. In 2024, the charity expanded its mission nationally in response to the growing need for mental health support in children’s healthcare.
MBE
Awarded in the 2025 New Year’s Honours List, their MBEs will be formally presented by HRH The Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle tomorrow. The Honours celebrate a decade of extraordinary dedication to improving the lives of seriously ill children and their families across the UK.
Their leadership has driven vital progress in paediatric care, from funding life-saving medical equipment to championing imaginative, mental health-focused projects that offer children and families hope, connection, and support during the hardest times.
Rebrand
Today, The Murray Parish Trust is rebranding as Imagine This: an inspiring new name designed to capture hearts, inspire hope, and raise the profile of the urgent mental health crisis facing seriously ill children and their families. This fresh identity reflects the charity’s renewed commitment to being more imaginative, accessible, and far-reaching in its mission.
The need for mental health support for these children is immense and growing, and to meet this, Imagine This is positioning itself to scale its projects and extend its reach across the entire UK. With a clear focus on ensuring no seriously ill child or family faces the mental health challenges of serious illness alone, the charity’s mission is to reach every seriously ill child by 2035.
Key Statistics
There are more than one million seriously ill children in the UK. These children, and their families, are significantly more likely to experience poor mental health, facing trauma, anxiety, and isolation, often with little or no emotional support.
Recent research shows that nearly one in five seriously ill children suffer from anxiety, and around one in seven live with depression, rates far higher than those in the general child population.
The emotional toll extends to parents, who are often expected to cope alone. Mothers of seriously ill children are particularly vulnerable, with one in four experiencing anxiety or depression . Fathers, too, frequently report suffering in silence.
Behind these statistics are children missing school, withdrawing from their friends, and struggling to cope with overwhelming diagnoses and medical trauma, without access to the broad, holistic support they urgently need.
From creative therapies to peer connection, tailored emotional care, and safe spaces just to be children, these forms of support can be life-changing, but far too many go without.
“Imagine being told your child has a serious illness, and trying to hold your family together while navigating a world focused almost entirely on their medical care”, says co-founderSarah Parish MBE.
“We know that trauma firsthand, and we know how much more support families need. Without early, meaningful support, the impact on children and their families’ mental health can last a lifetime.
“That’s why Imagine This exists:to help ensure no child or family faces the emotional toll of serious illness alone.
Our vision is for every seriously ill child and their family to have access to the kind of imaginative, empowering support that helps them navigate their journey with connection, resilience, and hope. This new identity marks our commitment to every one of these children and their families.”
The name Imagine This captures both empathy and possibility, a reflection of the daily challenges faced by seriously ill children and their families, and a call to reimagine what meaningful support can look like.
The charity delivers imaginative, diverse and impactful projects, helping families cope with the emotional and psychological toll of serious illness.
These innovative projects include groundbreaking Positivity in Motion – dance, music and yoga therapy delivered in partnership with Synergy Dance Outreach, to children at Great Ormond StreetHospital and Evelina London Children’s Hospital.
“This isn’t just a name change,” co-founder Jim Murray MBE adds. “It’s the beginning of a bold, nationwide movement to transform how we support the mental wellbeing of seriously ill children and their families living through the unimaginable.
“Our ambition is clear: by 2035, we aim to reach every seriously ill child in the UK, bringing imaginative and innovative projects to children in hospitals, hospices, and communities across the UK. Imagine This is the only UK charity solely dedicated to this urgent need, and we’re just getting started.”
Professor Lorna Fraser of Palliative Care and Child Health at King’s College London says, “When a child becomes seriously ill, this can impact the entire family.
“Our research shows the impact of serious physical illness on the mental health of the children and their parents, and how difficult it can be to access timely and appropriate support.
“We need to prioritise mental health support – it is an essential component of care for children with serious illness and their families. Imagine this is helping to shift that thinking, and it’s long overdue.”
This milestone also marks the start of an exciting new chapter, with the appointment of Ellie Main as Head of Fundraising and Operations.
Formerly Senior Fundraising Manager at BBC Children in Need, Ellie brings a wealth of experience in strategic growth and nationwide programme delivery, putting Imagine This in a strong position to scale its impact and reach every seriously ill child in the UK by 2035.
