Supporting families with a strong community
Holland Bloorview takes care to prioritize the needs of our clients and their loved ones from the moment they enter our doors.
“Our hospital strives to provide safe spaces for our clients and families to meaningfully connect with each other and feel supported,” says Clara Ho, manager, client and family-centred care and partnerships. “We recognize our clients and families have unique needs and we partner with them to co-design new programs and services to meet those needs.”
Thanks to the generous support of our donor community, we launched two new platforms this year, helping our clients and their families access even more resources to help them feel less alone in their care journey.
- Introducing the HB Family Support Network (FSN)
This private, moderated Facebook group was created with connection in mind. Moderated by Holland Bloorview’s family leaders it provides a safe, online space for families and caregivers to ask questions, share common lived experiences, seek advice and access resources. Members can also connect with our family mentors, who are trained peer support volunteers, for 1:1 support.
Read more about the HB FSN and hear family mentor and long-time volunteer Cheryl Peters share her thoughts on the importance of peer connection and the benefit of this new platform.
- Launch of Kid2Kid (K2K) Advice Project
There’s nothing like talking to someone who gets it! In this 15-part video series, kids are giving kids valuable advice. Including a range of topics chosen by the kids themselves, they get into everything that matters, from talking about disability, to favourite hobbies, to meaningful friends.
Dolly Menna-Dack, leader of youth engagement strategy at Holland Bloorview notes, “Clients and siblings have wisdom and key learnings that nobody else has. The K2K project is just one of the many ways that Holland Bloorview prioritises the voices of clients and families.”
Get the behind the scenes scoop from participants (and siblings), Zach and Kate, as they talk about what they hope kids will gain from their guidance.
