Children with cancer are staying connected to the classroom with the help of cutting-edge technology.
In Epping Forest, a new scheme involving robots and iPads is being funded by Epping Forest District Council to support young patients unable to attend school during cancer treatment.
The £58,000 project will provide 10 AV1 robots and iPads to The Lennox Children’s Cancer Trust, to use with the shared oncology unit at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow.
Read more
Argentina stage remarkable second-half comeback to defeat Scotland
Troy Parrott hat-trick earns Republic of Ireland a World Cup play-off spot
Cllr Darshan Sunger, portfolio holder for regulatory services at Epping Forest District Council, said: "The investment in these incredible devices will promote independence for very sick children and help to breakdown social and educational barriers that childhood cancer often creates."
The robots act as a child’s "eyes, ears and voice" in the classroom, enabling them to join lessons and interact with friends from home or hospital.
Each device is loaned for an initial 12-week period, with extensions available if the child remains absent from school due to ongoing treatment.
Children of school age undergoing cancer treatment typically miss between six months and two-and-a-half years of education and social inclusion.
Molly Brown, education and partnerships coordinator at The Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund, said: "We are incredibly grateful to Epping Forest District Council for making this project possible. When a child is going through treatment, they can be away from school for weeks and sometimes even months.
"During this time, it isn’t just the lessons and education they are missing, it’s the time with their friends, the inside jokes and creating them crucial memories in the playground."
The technology is funded through the council’s Disabled Facilities Grant under its social care capital investment scheme, she said: "These robots do so much more than just keep up with the curriculum.
"They bridge the gap and allow the children to stay connected both in lessons and break time, making them feel included at a time when life can be incredibly isolating. We are over the moon that even more children will have the opportunity to have a sense of normality during treatment."
Share