More than Medicine

We are Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC). We bring more than medicine to seriously ill children and their families in hospital.

While our wonderful NHS colleagues provide world class medical treatment and care; with the help of our supporters, we speed up recovery, take away fear, and provide reassurance, distraction and fun every step of the way.

We offer lots of activities, so children’s imaginations can thrive and they are kept busy. We have a Hub in the Family Support Corridor on the ground floor, where our team is ready to welcome families with a cuppa and a biscuit. We can support on the good days, the bad days and everything in between.

Our Youth Work team is also here to support children who are feeling anxious, lonely, or want to speak to someone about something worrying them. We can help families to find the right support in the hospital and back home.

Arts & Activities

No one should miss out on the things they love doing because they’re in hospital. Our arts programme brings many exciting activities and workshops to the hospital five days a week, suitable for all ages and stages. Think dance, baby sensory, storytelling and much more!

We transform bedsides into art galleries and waiting areas into discos to bring laughter and distraction when they are needed most. Whether it’s magic, music or messy play, our activities help children and young people to have as positive an experience as possible. We’re serious about having fun!

Youth Work

Our approach puts children and young people in charge. We work with the child or young person to identify any issues they are facing while in hospital; and agree and deliver a range of activities and interventions to support them.

We can help to provide entertainment and enjoyment for distraction to children and young people of any age, or we can take the time to listen and provide support to ease any worries or concerns.

We can do this in a safe space away from the clinical areas of the hospital, such as The Hub, at the bedside or in the adolescent spaces (12+) on Dalhousie Ward.

Youth Group

On Monday evenings from 6pm-7.30pm, we run a Youth Group for young people aged 12 and older. Siblings are also very welcome. It is a great opportunity to relax, socialise and have fun, and new faces are always welcome!

If you would like to join the Youth Group or find out more, please do get in touch.

The Hub

The Hub is ECHC’s wellbeing centre within the hospital; a safe, non-clinical space where you and your family can take a break and spend time together away from the wards.

You can find us in the ground floor Family Support Corridor (across The Pod, outpatients waiting area). The Hub offers holistic activities, support and information, as well as a space for playing, chatting and relaxing.

Every day, The Hub is alive with fun activities, from arts and crafts, to video consoles and virtual reality board games, toys and sensory play! We also have an outdoor courtyard for a bit of fresh air, and a complementary therapy room where we offer massage, aromatherapy massage or aroma nasal inhaler.

Opening times: Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm for drop in sessions

Complementary Therapy

We provide personalised one to one and group complementary therapy sessions to support the wellness of children, young people and families, all free of charge.

A choice of massage, aromatherapy massage or aroma nasal inhaler is available, all of which can offer emotional as well as physical benefits, helping to reduce anxiety and pain, improve sleep and increase wellbeing.

Our Complementary Therapy room (in the ground floor Family Support Corridor) is a safe, peaceful space where you can relax, destress and talk about any worries.

Please note: our complementary therapy service is only available to families while accessing the hospital. This includes both if your child is admitted on a ward or accessing outpatient appointments. To book, email susan.brattesani@echcharity.org or call 0131 312 0169.