Supporting Children with Burns

Welcome to this website, designed with parents and carers, specifically to support families of children who have had a burn injury

Welcome to this website, designed with parents and carers, specifically to support families of children who have had a burn injury

Who is this website for?

This website contains information to help support parents or carers of children and young people who have experienced a burn injury of any kind or size. When a burn injury happens to someone you care about it can be as distressing for you as it is for them. This website is not just for parents whose child has had a major burn, as we know that it can be a difficult experience for parents regardless of how big the burn was, or whether or not a hospital stay or surgery was required. Other adults, such as grandparents, might also find this resource helpful.

What can I find here?

The information on this website has been arranged into different topics. There is information on common experiences and tips that might help you to cope. Parents have written about their experiences and there are links to resources that you might find useful. It is up to you to decide which topics you would like to know more about. Please take time to explore the site, dip in and out of it if you like, rather than trying to read everything in one go.

What should I do if I feel upset?

If you find something on the website too upsetting, leave the website and distract yourself until you feel better. If you find that every time you try to look at the website you experience strong feelings, such as a racing heartbeat or vivid flashbacks, it may be that you need help in working through your experience with a qualified mental health professional. In that case, it is advised that you discuss this with your GP or the burns service where your child was treated. Your GP or the burns service can discuss with you how you are feeling and direct you to an appropriate support service. You can also find links to other sources of support here.

About Us

Dr Jennifer Heath

Clinical Psychologist & PhD Researcher

Centre for Appearance Research at the University of the West of England, Bristol.

Prof Diana Harcourt

Professor of Appearance & Health Psychology

Director of the Centre for Appearance Research at the University of the West of England, Bristol.

Dr Heidi Williamson

Senior Research Fellow

Centre for Appearance Research at the University of the West of England, Bristol.

Dr Lisa Williams

Lead Clinical Psychologist

Chelsea and Westminster Burns Service, London.

The value of web-based support was identified through research carried out between 2016 and 2018 by the team who created the website. Many parents who took part in that research thought that it would be useful for supportive resources, information, and other parents’ stories to be shared via the internet. This would allow parents to access information if and when they needed it. It was felt that this information may help to reassure parents that they are not alone, or help them to decide whether they should seek support for themselves.

If you would like to know more about the research that led to the development of this website, please click here.

This website has been developed at the Centre for Appearance Research at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol). UWE Bristol also funded its development and the research it is based on. The website is independent of the NHS but the content has been reviewed by health professionals who work in NHS burn services.

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