Parents of sick kids get aid from Soroptimists

Parents of sick kids get aid from Soroptimists

18 July 2018

DOWNPATRICK Soroptimists are behind an innovative new initiative to help parents across the South Eastern Trust area whose children fall ill and require emergency hospital treatment.

Many parents will spend days by their child’s bedside in a hospital ward without any toiletries, unable to wash properly or even brush their teeth, relying heavily on family and friends being available to bring them supplies.

One mum who found herself in this position was Melanie Douglas, the current president of Downpatrick and District Soroptimists.

She noticed a lot of parents during her son Charlie’s many hospital admissions without any supplies and after chatting with him about this they decided to do something and the ‘parent pac’ was born.

In her role with the Soroptimists, Melanie is part of a group of women who work for the rights of women and girls worldwide and she took her project idea to her club which agreed to support it. 

They created the parent pac which contains shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant with versions for both men and women. 

After discussions with South Eastern Trust staff, the Soroptimists also produced hygiene packs for women and girls along with dental packs for those who just want to brush their teeth.

Melanie’s hope is that the parents who benefit from the parent pacs will one day pay forward their gratitude and show kindness to another parent in need, be that a friendly smile, a cuppa or a reassuring chat.

She said any act of kindness means a lot during those worrying times.

Dr David Robinson, the health trust’s Assistant Director for Women and Acute Child Health, said the organisation “greatly appreciates” Melanie’s thoughtfulness.

“Having experienced a challenging time in hospital with her own child, Melanie chose to help other parents in a similar position by creating the parent pac which gives parents much more than bathroom essentials. It gives them a sense of being cared for by others who understand,” he added.

The parent pac is available in the children’s inpatient wards at the Ulster Hospital.