https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/news/gosh-charity-launches-families-appeal/
GOSH Charity Launches Families Appeal
22 Feb 2021, 9:34 a.m.
Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (GOSH Charity) has recently launched the Families Appeal - a new campaign to support children and families that come to GOSH every day.
The appeal highlights the practical and emotional care that children, parents and families need, particularly with the increased stresses that living through a pandemic brings. The money raised could help towards:
- Vital services including themhospital Play team, which helps patients understand their treatment and cope with separation from peers and siblings
- Social work and multi-faith chaplaincy teams who provide family advice and support now, and in the months ahead.
- Family accommodation so mums and dads can stay close by while their children undergo treatment

Three cheers for the Play team
The work of our Play team has taken on increased significance during the pandemic, for both parents and children and young people, particularly as only one carer per family is allowed in the hospital to reduce the rate of infection. Due to this, the Play team have supported parents even more than before with everyday care and providing activities and entertainment for children in hospital.
“The pressure on parents with children in hospital is even greater,” says Juliet, mum to Luke and Emily (above).
“Due to restrictions, the hospital feels far more isolating, which can be even harder on the family.
“The play teams are doing a great job. Parents need the Play team to give us an opportunity to take a breath of fresh air, engage positively with our children and be part of the GOSH family.”

GOSH Charity opens new family accommodation
We have two new parent and carer accommodation complexes, established with the support of GOSH Charity partners. Just ninety seconds from GOSH, they provide parents and carers of one of our patients with a free place to stay.

Host a Play Date for GOSH Charity
Host a Play Date this July and raise money to help fund our amazing Play team. Learn about GOSH Charity's upcoming event below.

Supporting families through difficult times
Last year, Hannah, one of our intensive care nurses, supported a family through an incredibly difficult time in their lives, when their daughter Margot sadly passed away 24 hours after she was born...

Henry: our animated festive hero
This year, 4-year-old Henry and his family will be home for the festive season, having spent Henry's first two at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). As part of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity’s Christmas campaign, enjoy our film.