Meet the team helping children make sense of cancer
Meet Roberta Bowie and Alexandra Jamieson, they are part of a team of clinical psychologists providing vital mental health support to children who are undergoing treatment for cancer at the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow.
Roberta and Alexandra’s posts are funded by It’s good 2 give, a charity committed to supporting the physical and mental wellbeing of young cancer patients (aged 0-18) and their families in Scotland. It’s good 2 give offers a wide range of support to both patients and hospitals, including practical support, mental health support, and short breaks for patients at their purpose-built retreat.
Roberta and Alexandra help children make sense of their cancer, their treatment, and their feelings in a way that makes it as easy and possible to understand. Depending on age and ability, this could be through play, one on one discussion, or group sessions.
Roberta explained the support they provide to children. She said:
“Cancer is often thought to be a physical-only issue and that is not the case. Children are known for their resilience however cancer is a major psychological experience that can live with a patient and their family long after the diagnosis. Support for their mental health is important.
“The experience can feel acute, but the mental impact can be lifelong. This is particularly relevant for children who are also trying to meet developmental milestones while they battle cancer.
“We work with the children to help them understand what is happening to them and provide them with ways in which they can process and deal with that. Our patients can range from toddlers up to the age of 18, so how we communicate really varies.
“We engage with them how they engage with the world which is essential for children. It’s not a one size fits all approach.”
The team is also there to provide support for the patient families. Roberta said:
“We’re here for parents and carers too but it isn’t realistic to say we’re here to make them feel good. It’s such a delicate and vulnerable time for them. We are here to listen and to empower them to be confident that they’re doing the best for their child.”
One mum who has experienced the value of working with the clinical psychology team is Louise Dempster from Kirkcudbright. Louise’s daughter, Hazel, has been a patient with the Schiehallion Ward at the RHC since she was 12.
Hazel was diagnosed with a brain tumour after a spell of terrible headaches led to scans taking place.
Louise said:
“In Hazel’s first year of treatment at the hospital she had brain surgery to relieve pressure followed by regular chemotherapy sessions for the next two years. Now, Hazel is on a much more manageable treatment which is in tablet form that she takes at home.
“Hazel’s tumour can’t be cured and so she is dealing with living with this. She shows great resilience but, understandably, navigating life as a teenager at high school while dealing with her treatment takes its toll and frustrations happen.
“Roberta has been fantastic with helping Hazel understand the feelings she has and how life can be challenging. She has taught her mechanisms to help get through when she is feeling sad, angry, confused and more. We live over two hours from the hospital, so it’s been great to do sessions at times via video call.
“Hazel also got a lot from the group teen sessions. It is brilliant when she can speak with other teens who understand and can empathise with what she is going through.”
Louise added that Hazel is an active girl and getting on with life. She said:
“Hazel loves swimming and is an Explorer Scout. She is also in the school choir and school show. We’re very proud of her.”
Lynne McNicoll, It’s good 2 give Co-Founder said:
“Thanks to the efforts of our supporters and fundraisers, we have in place a five-year funding agreement to ensure that we provide mental health support for young cancer patients across Scotland. This includes two in Glasgow and two in Edinburgh.
“We are delighted to hear from patients that these posts are making such an impact on their lives, and we are grateful to the psychology teams for the amazing work that they deliver on the ground. Thank you to Roberta and Alexandra for making a difference in these family’s lives.”
