Press release – issued 23 March 2023
2023/006

Local eczema support group relaunches to help children and their families 

Children affected by eczema and their families are being encouraged to come along to a local support group, which has recently been re-launched by a Herefordshire mum. 

The self-run group takes place on the fourth Thursday of each month, 10am to 12pm, at the Courtyard Theatre in Hereford.  It is a drop in session, so there is no need to book. 

Emily Edwards, from Brimfield, whose son was diagnosed with the skin condition at a very young age, set up the group before the Covid-19 pandemic and is now re-launching the face to face meetings for children with eczema and their families.   

Emily said: “We are delighted to be able to re-launch our local monthly group meetings to provide support to children and families, so they do not feel alone.  At the group we share our experiences, tips, and ways of coping with the condition.  If you would like to attend just turn up on the day, or visit our Facebook Herefordshire Eczema support group page or phone me on 07980 693634”.

Hilary Havard, paediatric dermatology nurse at Wye Valley NHS Trust, who helps with the group, said: “It so important that children and families can access this support, in addition to healthcare advice and treatment from their GP and hospital dermatology specialists.

“Eczema is a dry skin condition which in mild cases causes the skin to be dry, scaly, red and itchy.  In more severe cases there may be weeping, crusting and bleeding.  Treatment can help relieve the symptoms and many cases can improve over time.  However, severe eczema can have a significant impact on children physically and emotionally and their families.

“It’s therefore important that babies and children presenting with moderate to severe symptoms of eczema are referred early to hospital for diagnosis and treatment, alongside the much needed support available through Emily’s support group.  We also work closely with the National Eczema Society which offers a wide range of information and advice for families – visit www.eczema.org to find out more”. 

Emily and Wye Valley NHS Trust would like to thank the Courtyard Theatre for providing the free venue for the support group meetings.  

Photo 

Left to right – Dawn Wraight - parent, Sally Pantall - parent, Hilary Havard - paediatric dermatology nurse Wye Valley NHS Trust, Clare Lycett – children/young people’s care co-ordinator Taurus Healthcare, and Emily Edwards – parent. 

Ends

Notes to Editors WVT:

• Wye Valley NHS Trust is a provider of health services across Herefordshire and beyond. The Trust exists to improve the wellbeing, independence and health of the people we serve.
• By working closely with our partners, we can make good our promise to deliver a quality of care we would want for ourselves, our families and our friends.
• With an estimated annual turnover of around £295 million, we employ around 3,000 staff. We aim to build new relationships between our staff, patients, service users and their carers with the wider community. 

For further information please contact:

Fiona Gurney, communications officer, or John Burnett, Communication and Engagement Manager, Wye Valley NHS Trust: 01432 372928