Growing up Dennis always struggled with stomach problems and tiredness, but it wasn’t until he was 15 years of age and ‘things had got really, really, really bad’ that he was admitted to Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) where he was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease – a digestive disorder which can disrupt daily life.
A lifelong condition
Coming to terms with the reality of a lifelong condition was difficult for Dennis. “It was a relief to finally know what was going on. But when they said it was for life …I had thought I would grow out of it. It was a bit of a shock to me.”
Whilst in hospital Dennis was assigned a mental health doctor who mentioned the Youth Service for young patients with long term health conditions.
He was initially too nervous to attend the Youth Club but agreed to try out the monthly Board Game Group in the centre of Nottingham. A friendly smile from one of the Youth Workers gave him the courage to go in and take part.
“They gave me the space to make the decision to go to the Youth Club in my own time, rather than getting my Mum to force me to go.” he explained.
Feeling lonely
Once he was back at home, Dennis’s ability to socialise with his school friends and join in activities was affected by his illness and he began to feel quite lonely. He decided to give the Hospital Youth Club a try.
“The Youth Club got me out of the house and gave me something to do and I now look forward to going each week.
“It’s a fun place with a pool table, badminton, basketball, a tuck shop – and the board games are a blast!” enthused Dennis.
The Youth Club is a great leveller, where the young people are seen for who they are beyond their illness or medical apparatus.
Dennis explained: “Before, when I was playing with friends, I would get really tired and if I didn’t continue playing, I’d feel ostracised. It’s different at the NUH Youth Club. It feels like a community and the Youth Workers just understand us!”
One to one support
As well as providing a place for socialising and having fun, the Youth Club is a place where Dennis can receive one to one support from a Youth Worker about any worries he has.
“There are communal areas for chatting, but also private spaces if you need a chat with a Youth Worker. One thing I’m so grateful for, is being able to have somebody unbiased who can listen to my problems,” he said.
Dennis now feels more able to manage his Crohn’s disease and has made a bunch of new friends.
He’s also presented his experience of being a young patient at a meeting of children’s doctors in London, alongside one of his friends from the Youth Club.
Clare Alderson, Renal Youth Development Worker, NUH Youth Service, said: “Coping with a chronic health condition means that all the difficulties of growing up that Youth Workers deal with are amplified. When I first met Dennis, he was quite anxious and he used to wear his headphones all the time.
“He doesn’t wear the headphones as much now; he’s grown so much in confidence. It’s rewarding to know that we’ve given that important helping hand to help young people cope with their condition and maintain good mental health.”
