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Description
In Bulgaria, about 200 children in the age between 0 and 18 have cancer. Every child undergoing cancer treatment is a child at risk. Prolonged treatment, hair loss, frequent changes in appearance and limited social contacts lead to many psychological problems not only for the child but for the family, too. These factors determine the target groups of the project - children and young people/survivors with onco-hematological diseases, their parents, siblings, and families who have lost a child in the battle with cancer. The main objective of the project is the successful introduction and provision of the "Center for Children with Oncohematologic Diseases" service. The objective will be achieved by: study of good practices implemented in such centers in the EU and donor-countries, developing a methodology for the provision of services at the center, development of completely new programs for work with different groups of users of the service based on the best practices studied and in accordance with the methodology. The programs for psychological rehabilitation aim at restoring suffering processes and modeling behaviors in children and parents. Social rehabilitation programs aim to support reintegration after treatment is completed. Therapeutic activities are aimed at enriching the child''s personality, activating creative potential and creating emotional comfort. The purpose of the project activities is to regain children and their families'' self-esteem, to overcome post-hospital parental control in a safe environment through specially prepared therapeutic programs and support groups. Comprehensive work with children and their families will lead to a significant improvement in mental health, facilitation of re-socialization, easier adaptation to return to school, and consequently the elimination of the risk to the child.
Summary of project results
The project "Rehabilitation Center for Children with Oncohematological Diseases" addressed key issues for children who have to overcome cancer by providing innovative services for Bulgaria. The center ensured real-time monitoring and effective social re-adaptation, successfully helping to overcome the psychological late effects of the treatment.
Successful practices in Norway and Italy for supporting and rehabilitating children with oncohematological diseases and their families were studied. Methodologies and programs for working with them have been developed. Personnel have been trained to successfully implement these programs. The service is provided free of charge, offering psychological assistance and support for social reintegration. Three press conferences were held, a functional website was created, and brochures were distributed.
The project provided services to 102 families of children who had undergone cancer treatment, with 100% satisfaction and a desire to return, if necessary. The center also works with families who have lost a child to cancer. All users report a stable connection with the team, feeling heard and understood, energized, and satisfied with both individual and group therapies.