Sickle Cell Support Group

The 'Therapeutic play and psychosocial support' programme is targeted at children aged 6–16 living with sickle cell disease, alongside support for their caregivers. The programme is integrated into existing community support group meetings and has two parts. Children take part in guided therapeutic play sessions that help them express their emotions, build friendships, and develop core skills. At the same time, caregivers join sessions focused on managing stress, building resilience, and navigating healthcare.

The programme helps both children and caregivers learn how to handle challenges and find practical solutions to problems. Overall, it aims to improve emotional wellbeing, strengthen coping skills, and build caregivers’ confidence through a supportive, trauma-informed, and peer-based approach.

The Skills Builder essential skills icons for Problem Solving and Adapting are used consistently across all materials. Children build and link essential skills to real-life scenarios through structured games and therapeutic play activities, while caregivers develop the same skills through peer discussions and scenario-based exercises drawn directly from their caregiving experiences. Progress for both groups is built and tracked using the Skills Builder workbooks, self-reflection passports and daily skills diaries.