A new ‘gamer in residence’ has been hired to help lonely and bored kids struggling with isolation at a Glasgow hospital.
In a first for the UK and Ireland, Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity has launched the new role which aims to make sure every child will have someone to play computer games with and help them find a way to relax and distract them during their time in hospital.
Steven Mair, 26, is the first to take on the role this year and is already proving a hit with the young patients.
Catherine Reid, mother of seven-year-old Jace, said: “Children in Jace’s ward can have long stays and intense treatment plans. This can include physical pain and a lot of new emotions.
“Often, parents can feel helpless at times. For my son Jace in particular, he is an experienced gamer. His blood disorder prevented him from going outside or starting school.”
As well as gaming with young patients, Steven plans gaming-themed events in the hospital, such as a launch day celebration of the popular football game EA Sports FC 25, managing the charity’s Gaming Volunteers, and continuing to fundraise for new gaming equipment on the wards.
The new role comes after recent medical studies demonstrated a link between playing computer games and reduced feelings of anxiety in the hospital, with some even suggesting video games could reduce pain.
Last year, more than £100,000 was raised to help children game in hospital with the Games for the Weans campaign, including £48,500 worth of gifts in kind from Neonhive and SPARCK, and fundraising activities like the Dundee Kiltwalk, charity streaming and the first ever Scottish Games Sale on Steam.
The service was also boosted earlier this year with a $12,000 donation from across the Atlantic with the support of American charity Child’s Play; this will be spent on hospital-adapted consoles that will replace outdated Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 systems, which are likely to be more than a decade old.
Kirsten Watson, CEO at Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity said: “Thank you to everyone across the gaming community for supporting this unique initiative to help young patients from across the country game in hospital.”
“Not only will your support fund more consoles and games for the children’s hospital, but it now also means Scotland’s young patients will always have a Player Two.”
Kate Ludlow, Spec Ops at Devolver Digital, added: “We are proud to support Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity in their efforts to offer their young patients the adventures, escapism, and fun that video games provide. We look forward to continuing support for their Games for the Weans programme.”
Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity is seeking new streaming partners to hold a charity stream for children in hospital. The funds raised will help young patients in Glasgow game during their stay on the wards.
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