Just like that, Scott works magic with kids
FORGET traditional medicine – the NHS is prescribing magic to help make children’s worries disappear.
Care chiefs have drafted in magician Scott Cuthbertson to help children struggling in the wake of the pandemic.
Some are also ill or in pain, or affected by cancer or bereavement, while others are simply feeling sad.
Those behind the scheme admit there was ‘significant scepticism’ – but Mr Cuthbertson, 52, is now so popular that he has a waiting list. He said: ‘My brief was make them smile. It’s been really, really good.’
A professional magician for nearly 20 years, he works with individual children, families and groups – showing them magic and teaching them some of the tricks of his trade.
The unconventional approach was highlighted in NHS Ayrshire and Arran board papers which described how Mr Cuthbertson was brought in by East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership. It said: ‘We have experienced an increase in children presenting with low grade emotional wellbeing concerns that do not meet the criteria for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.’
Those who benefit include children ‘affected by pain and discomfort on a daily basis’.
Staff at Whiteleys Retreat in Ayr, for children affected by cancer and life-changing medical conditions, reported: ‘To say that the children enjoyed their time with Scotty is an understatement. It was evident to see the joy this brought to them.’
Mr Cuthbertson, of Neilston, Renfrewshire, praised officials for ‘thinking outside the box’.
He said: ‘I just show them some of my magic and how to do it. When they get it, the look on their faces – it’s just a total celebration.’