Harri's Story - Here for you

 

“Hi, I’m Bechan, the Noah’s Ark Charity’s first ever ward counsellor. My role has been funded by people like you through the charity’s Here for You Appeal.  My job is to help provide support, comfort and relief to children and families as they navigate what can be a very difficult and overwhelming hospital admission. It’s important, at a time where patients and families feel so overwhelmed, that they feel able to bring what’s important to them into a space where they feel safe to express their fears, concerns, worries and hopes, and feel seen and heard without judgment. Children in hospital need opportunities to express themselves and to communicate in ways that they feel comfortable with about what they’re experiencing. In my work I often use creative approaches like clay making, creating artwork, story making, using puppets and role play. It allows children to explore and be children at a time where so much is different for them.”

Meet eight-year-old Harri.   

Harri is no stranger to hospital life. He’s been under the care of the children’s hospital since before he was born having been diagnosed with several heart conditions. In August 2024, during a routine operation, Harri suffered a stroke. It left him unable to move his left arm or right leg, and dependent on a wheelchair. This came as a huge shock to Harri who, despite his heart condition, had always been a very active young boy.

During an intensive 12-week neuro-rehabilitation programme, Harri was introduced to Bechan, who started to visit him for regular sessions.

Mum, Jade, said: “Harri is very particular with time so watches the clock and waits for Bechan. She makes Harri so happy. She never makes him do things he doesn’t want to do She uses things he likes like dinosaurs, painting or music to get him to open about how he’s feeling, without him even realising what he’s saying. She has helped us both so much since we’ve been here.”