Do good, feel good
CHANGING lives and offering small acts of kindness continue to lift the spirits of Australians doing it tough, says Amy Vidaic, Redkite oncology social worker at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead (pictured).
What does ‘community kindness’ mean to you?
Community kindness is people coming together for the greater good. It’s often unconditional and not only benefits those receiving kindness, but those giving it, too.
Why is it important for us to maintain community spirit?
It’s important because kindness is the very essence of what creates and sustains a community. I think it matters when you can go home and know that you made a difference and a genuine connection that day.
What is your role and your involvement with Redkite?
I am a Redkite-funded on-ward oncology social worker at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead. I am doing anything from providing emotional support and undertaking clinical assessments, to advocacy and identifying and linking families to resources that they may find meaningful. I even play a role helping other staff members deal with the impact of working with children with cancer and their families. Sometimes, families come to us with already complex lives, and then their child is diagnosed with cancer. It’s really tough. A family may present with an unwell child, but we’ll find out they’re also homeless and sleeping on a friend’s couch. If they don’t have a home, that’s a basic human need that should be met. Every child needs to be kept safe, but even more so when undergoing treatment for cancer. So my role will involve linking this family with the right service and advocating on their behalf to get them emergency housing. I also organise financial assistance and offer advice in terms of support families can access, including Redkite’s Financial Assistance Program.
How are you helping on a daily basis?
My role usually begins when a family receives the devastating news that their child has cancer. I am often part of the new diagnosis meeting and am there to help children and families manage and hold the emotional news. My role moving forward is to walk alongside families throughout treatment and post-treatment, whether that results in survivorship or palliative care and bereavement. Most of the time, I will accompany the medical team when they speak with families. I might not say much as the doctors do most of the talking, but once the team leaves the room, I stay behind with the family. And generally, that’s when they fall apart. Sometimes it’s just knowing they have someone to listen to their worries and fears, or someone that will hold space for them.
What are some of the most memorable contributions you’ve made?
It’s been heartwarming to see other families helping one another out. With the COVID-19 restrictions in the hospital, it’s made an already isolating experience that much harder. I’ve seen parents and carers come together to look after one another when family and friends can’t be here. Whether it’s buying one another coffee, or sitting with one another’s children while one parent can shower, there’s been a real sense of community.
Learn more about
For the Love of Bread
The connection between cancer and a sandwich isn’t immediately obvious, but for the last seven years, five cents from the sale of every loaf of specially marked Coles Own Brand bread has been donated to Redkite, raising millions of dollars to support children with cancer and their families. For the Love of Bread features 22 feel-good sandwiches, with contributions from families who have received Redkite’s support, as well as recipes from some famous faces. Visit Coles.com.au/loveofbread or scan here to view more recipes.