Reduced services due to Covid-19
Together with the rest of the NHS, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust is preparing for the unprecedented demands of the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak. During this time, your care may change a little, for example it may be delivered in a different way, or may have to be postponed for a while. We will try to explain why we have to take these steps below.
As a result of the outbreak, we are prioritising the care we normally provide, and some services will be restricted or closed. We will be writing to patients who are affected. If you were expecting to attend one of our clinics in the next few days and have not received a letter, please phone the number provided on your original appointment letter to confirm whether you should still attend.
To see whether one of our services is affected please click here: https://www.leicspart.nhs.uk/service-update/
Service description
CAFSS enables you to talk to someone completely impartial who is not involved in your direct clinical care. The special therapeutic play we use with children and young people includes games, role-play, craft activities and storytelling. Our techniques involve exploring your experiences, with the help of a trained staff member.
We offer service users one-to-one confidential emotional support in a community setting. Sessions usually last 60 minutes and start on a weekly basis. This is reviewed regularly to ensure it meets the needs of each individual client.
The main aims of the support we offer are:
- To give emotional support to a child/young person who is ill or disabled by offering a range of therapeutic activities.
- To help parents, siblings and other family members adapt emotionally to changes in their family life.
- To help parents and siblings meet the emotional needs of the child who is ill or disabled, without neglecting their own needs.
- To offer care and support before and after death, if a child dies.
We are a community-based service and we visits clients in their home, school/college/nursery or family centre.
Referral criteria
CAFSS is available to any child or young person living with a life limiting, life threatening or chronic illness.
We also provide support for siblings and work closely with the family to support them as a unit.
Who to contact if you need an interpreter or information about disabled access
If you require an interpreter at the appointment please inform the service when the appointment is booked.