‘WE ARE SO THANKFUL FOR TEAPOT TRUST’
Mum praises group started by our former Scotswoman of the Year winner after it gave her daughter vital support
OLIVIA Kennedy wrinkles her nose in disgust when you ask her if she likes going to hospital. The eight-year-old was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis when she was two-and-a-half, and regular appointments and blood tests have become part of her young life.
“Olivia hates attending hospital and wishes she didn’t have to, as do we,” explains her mum, Claire. “She finds it particularly difficult getting blood taken and gets extremely anxious going in.”
There is one thing the little girl does enjoy, however.
“I look forward to seeing Patricia, it’s my favourite part,” she smiles. “Doing art with her takes my mind off my appointments, especially getting my blood taken. When I’m making things with Teapot Trust, I feel more relaxed.”
Olivia is one of 12,000 children who have been supported by art therapy charity Teapot Trust over the past 10 years.
Former Glasgow Times Scotswoman of the Year Laura Young and her husband John set it up following the death of their daughter Verity, who had lupus and cancer. It now employs art therapists in hospitals and other healthcare settings around the UK.
Like Olivia, Verity hated hospitals, and loved art.
“Art gave Verity a way of expressing herself and was an essential coping strategy for the whole family,” explains Laura.
“We wanted to find a way to help other families who were struggling. We are often asked, ‘why the teapot?’. The ritual of making ‘proper’ tea, often accompanied by cake, was the means through which we encouraged Verity to increase her fluid intake – which was important due to the medication she was taking.
“Over time, the teapot came to symbolise support, comfort, friendship and respite.”
Laura has stepped down from the role of chief executive, which is now held by Sarah Randell.
“We are all really excited to have Sarah on board, her expertise is extremely valuable,” says Laura, who is remaining on board as a trustee.
“It is hard to step back, of course, but I have complete confidence in the team, in our ethos. We have become part of a much bigger picture regarding the mental health of children and young people, and I’m excited to see where we go in the future with that.”
For the Kennedy family, Olivia’s art sessions with therapist Dr Patricia Watts are “a moment of relief”, explains Claire.
“Having that window of time to relax and do something she enjoys helps calm her down. It’s a moment of respite for her in a stressful day, and a moment of relief for us, a chance to take a breath and absorb information from her doctors before we move on to the next appointment.”
Olivia, who lives in Fintry with
mum Claire, dad Alan and little sister Rosie, five, was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis “virtually overnight”, says her mum.
“She woke up unable to straighten her legs or stand up and was clearly in a lot of pain,” she adds. “The paediatric rheumatology team at Glasgow Children’s Hospital were brilliant and quickly identified it was unfortunately present in many of Olivia’s joints from head to toe.
“Alan and I were absolutely devastated by the diagnosis, not knowing what the future would be like and upset that Olivia may not be able to do the things she wants in life.
“Thankfully a successful course of treatment has continued to keep the arthritis at bay.”
Like many children with juvenile arthritis, Olivia has developed uveitis, a form of eye inflammation. She is on long-term medication at home and needs to attend hospital regularly.
“The physical symptoms of arthritis and uveitis are not an issue on a day-to-day basis, but her conditions do weigh heavily on her mind,” says Claire. “She feels different from other children, she worries about having her medication at home, appointments and procedures at hospital, worrying about the future.
“But we are incredibly proud of how well Olivia copes with everything. She has been through a lot from a very young age and is so brave. We are very thankful for the Teapot Trust.”
During lockdown, the charity adapted quickly to support families at home.
Patricia explains: “Many of the children I work with have been worried about how coronavirus might impact on them and their condition, and this is on top of the pressures of shielding, including isolation and loneliness. Our online sessions provide a safe space to process difficult emotions using creative interventions, supporting not only the child but their family as well.”
Sarah says “Team Teapot” has big plans for the next 10 years.
“We have worked with vision and tenacity to continue ‘being there’ for the children and families who need us,” she says.
“We responded promptly and collaboratively to the pandemic, giving children and families a voice in shaping our online services. Now, we have exciting plans to scale up our work to create wider access. However, we need the public to show generous humanity in making donations so that many more children like Olivia can benefit.”
Laura adds: “I’m proud of what we have done, in bringing the mental health of children to the fore, of giving people the tools to cope in difficult situations.
“Most of all, I’m proud of the fact we have changed people’s lives.”