A Scottish children’s hospital has become the first in the UK and Ireland to have a gamer-in-resident. Stephen Mair, who has taken on his first full-time role, will be playing games with children at Glasgow’s Royal Children’s Hospital.
Like other gaming-related charities at children’s hospitals, the aim is to provide patients with a sense of escapism while relaxing them and minimizing feelings of boredom and isolation. Studies have shown that playing games can help reduce pain and anxiety during surgery in pediatric patients, as well as caregiver anxiety.
Mr Mair also organizes gaming events at the facility, raises money for new gaming equipment and manages gaming volunteers for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity. The charity raised more than £100,000 ($129,000) last year through initiatives such as the Scottish Games Sale on Steam for a campaign called Games for the Weans (‘Baby Food’), after partner Devolver Established Gamer in Residence with support from Digital and Neonhive. “” means “child” in Scots). Meanwhile, a $12,000 donation from Children’s Play earlier this year will help fund the replacement of older Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 systems with game consoles for hospitals.
“Children on Jace’s wards may be hospitalized for long periods of time and undergo intensive treatment plans, which may include physical pain and a host of new emotions. Often parents Sometimes I feel helpless, especially for my son Jace, who is an experienced gamer. Due to a blood disorder, he was unable to go outside or go to school,” said the mother of 7-year-old Jace. “I could barely make it through without throwing up,” Katherine Reid said in a statement.
“When a resident gamer came in to play Mario on Nintendo, he immediately lit up and smiled. It was an instant energy boost for him, both mentally and physically. In reality, I think what kids often want is quality time and games with new friends.”
This is a great idea. Hospitalization is difficult for everyone, but especially for children and their families. By donating to the likes of Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity and Child’s Play, you can support the Games in Residence program and other charities that support young hospital patients through games.
Meanwhile, Extra Life’s Game Day, an event where gamers and the community raise money for children’s hospitals, will be held on November 2nd. You can register or donate on the Extra Life website.
