There are organisations and people out there that you don’t realise the vital service they provide until you meet them, to me that was Bridge the Gap (BTG) and the new to the island youth co-ordinator, Ben Melling.
The idea behind the youth co-ordinator and youth health service is to be ‘on a journey with young people through their health conditions’.
It works with 11 to 24 year olds with a long term health condition that are under a consultant.
The service hopes to provide a ‘nurturing place for young people’.
Not just a health condition
It is an obvious one to see that it is a great cause, but it is only when you meet them, talk to them, see the service first hand that you begin to appreciate the incredible impact this service has.
As Ben explained, it is about someone being more than their health condition and being a young person first.
Upon meeting Ben it is very easy to see why he is the perfect person for this role, and how the collaboration between Bridge the Gap and Manx Care to fund Ben’s position will have such a positive impact on peoples lives.
It is easy to forget how, sadly, any of us, at any point could end up in a situation where we become critically ill and will need the service that Ben and Bridge the Gap provide.
Even if its not yourself; it may be your child, your niece, your cousin, your friend – it is a daunting reality.
Vital service
Moving from a childrens ward at 16 to go straight onto an adult ward is something I’ve been fortunate enough to never consider, nor understood the significance or difficulty that may bring.
Ben explained the turbulent effect that may have on a young person when they are already going through an incredibly tough time, and the reality of what others are going through sunk in.
BTG does exactly what it says on the tin; It provides that transition period for youngsters, it focuses on them as an individual and not just for the medical condition.
Once you’re in BTG’s pod its very easy to forget you’re in Nobles Hospital, the easiest way to explain it is a ‘home from home’.
It’s calming, its comfy and its a place you can, for a period of time, put your worries to the side and take a deep breath.
No doubt, that along with Ben’s expertise and warmth, young people with medical conditions on the island will have a friendly face they can confide in and think clearly about the next steps in their life and see themselves beyond their condition.
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