Mission Buddying
Children supported :
» In 2007: 166
» In the Parisian region: 85
» In French Guiana: 81
Countries of origin :
» France (Reunion, Mayotte, Antilles), Africa, North Africa
Partners :
» Parisian region
APHP paediatric services: Necker Enfants Malades, Trousseau, Robert Debré, Saint Louis. Pouponnière Paul Parquet. Three long-stay centres: Margency Red Cross Centre, Centre des Côtes in Jouy and Josas, Bullion Paediatric Rehabilitation Centre.
» French Guiana
Cayenne hospital paediatric departments.
Volunteers :
» In the Parisian region: 89
» In French Guiana: 21
Many children, often from disadvantaged backgrounds, from France and elsewhere in the world, are hospitalised in hospitals in and around Paris for treatment of serious conditions that cannot be treated closer to home. For various reasons not all of these children can be accompanied by their parents. The buddying programme volunteers aim to ease the difficulties caused by this separation, and hospital staff consider that their presence is essential.
Maintaining the psychological balance of hospitalised children
Activities :
Doctors now recognise that emotional support is essential for maintaining the psychological balance of isolated children, and that this is a prerequisite for their healing process. To help children to deal with the solitude and suffering better, the buddying must be set up as quickly as possible, as an 'emergency programme’. Three visits a week are essential to establish a structured relationship with the child, which will, in turn, enable him or her to overcome the trauma of separation and being in hospital.
The programme’s volunteers also help to maintain, and sometimes restore, the links with parents. Sadly, in 10% of cases, the volunteers accompany the child to the end of his or her life.
The partnership developed with Paris hospitals (APHP) in 2002 was enriched this year by an amendment spelling out and broadening the role of buddying volunteers as well as outlining the limits of the programme volunteers’ remit.
Outlook :
• Set up the programme in the Regional Delegation in Lyon.
• Ensure regular recruitment in and around Paris.
• Developing training in listening skills, the psychology of ill children, and the hospital environment to improve volunteers’ skills.
Types of work :
Paris and the Parisian region/French Guiana
• Three visits a week to children, including one weekend visit (the schedule and length of visits varies
depending on the child’s age and medical condition).
• Potential outings when the child is well enough.
• Accompanying children during their return home, if requested by the medical team.
Volunteer recruitment and training is carried out by MdM. There are also discussion groups and ongoing training. Buddy followup is carried out by volunteer coordinators.
August 2008