Long Covid Kids is a UK-based charity that advocates for families, children and young people affected by Long Covid and related illnesses.[1][2] Founded by Sammie McFarland, the organization aims to raise awareness, provide support, and advocate for research and policy changes in favour of those impacted by Long Covid.[3][4][5]
Background
editThe charity was established in response to the growing number of children experiencing prolonged symptoms following a COVID-19 infection.[6] Sammie McFarland founded the charity with the support of a team of volunteers after her own daughter’s struggle with Long Covid.[2][6][7]
Activities
editThe charity raises awareness about the symptoms and impact of Long Covid in children to aid early diagnosis and intervention.[1] It also provides educational materials, onlline meet-ups, and signposting to healthcare professionals and support to children, young people, and their families.[8]
The charity aids the development of research through patient and public involvement and also advocates for an increase in funding for research to understand the long-term effects of Long Covid on children and to develop effective treatments.[5][9]
It also advocates for informative public health campaigns, including appropriate mitigations in schools.[10] The charity has supported the UK COVID inquiry and were core participants in Module 2.[11][9]
References
edit- ^ a b "Long Covid: Children affected take fight to Downing Street". 2022-04-01. Retrieved 2024-08-01.
- ^ a b ""An absolute tsunami of need": a conversation with Sammie McFarland, founder and CEO of Long COVID Kids". www.who.int. Retrieved 2024-08-01.
- ^ "Devastating impact of Long COVID on children revealed in MDX exhibition | Middlesex University London". www.s.mdx.ac.uk. Retrieved 2024-08-01.
- ^ "Campaigning mum's help for children with long Covid". Dorset Echo. 2023-10-19. Retrieved 2024-08-01.
- ^ a b "Long Covid kids: Mum's 'heartbreak' over children's illness". 2021-02-05. Retrieved 2024-08-01.
- ^ a b "In the shadow of long Covid". www.churchtimes.co.uk. Retrieved 2024-08-01.
- ^ "Life as a young person with long COVID: "You go through so many phases of up and down, it's like being on a rollercoaster forever"". www.who.int. Retrieved 2024-08-01.
- ^ "Scottish Children's Futures Are At Risk as Long Covid Takes Hold". Deadlinenews.co.uk.
- ^ a b "Written evidence submitted by Long Covid Kids". committees.parliament.uk.
- ^ "COVID On Air #11: Aiding The Young with Sammie Mcfarland". EndCoronavirus.org. Retrieved 2024-08-01.
- ^ "INQ000280195 - Witness statement of Sammie McFarland on behalf of Long Covid Kids, dated 25/09/2023 UK Covid-19 Inquiry Archives". UK Covid-19 Inquiry. Retrieved 2024-08-01.