Golden care

We manage a licensed social services complex "Golden Care" for children with cancer. Through them, children and their families receive psychosocial support on the difficult path during treatment, maintenance therapy and the subsequent need for resocialization.

Accessibility

  • The provision of social services is carried out on the territory of Paediatric Oncology and Hematology Department at the University Hospital "Tsaritsa Joanna - ISUL", as well as in the Parent House as part of the hospital, which accommodates children and parents from the countryside who have to stay in Sofia for treatment.

Licensed social service

  • "Golden Care" is a licensed social service, including "Information and Counseling", "Community Activities" and "Therapy and Rehabilitation", which guarantees the provision of structured and professional psychosocial support, consistent with the requirements for the quality of social services, which guarantees a high level of professionalism.

A dedicated space that meets the needs of children of different age groups

  • The service is tailored to the specific needs of children, providing opportunities for relaxation, play therapy and art activities, and a comprehensive space for recreation, sharing and meetings, for both parents and children.

Haven during social isolation

  • The specifics of the treatment require a period of nearly two years, in which both the children and the entire family must limit their social contacts in order to protect the life of the sick child. During this period, children need to play with peers, build certain social skills, ventilate what is happening through play, and receive support with educational material. Mothers need a protected space where they can calmly talk about the disease and the challenges it poses to them, as well as about everything that worries them. The service is designed to provide ongoing support for children and families, addressing the unique social and emotional needs that arise during this time.

Play as a social interaction

  • By emphasizing the importance of play for children’s development, our work facilitates opportunities for social interaction, peer play, and construction. No matter what they go through, children remain children. The magic of childhood is expressed in the ability to see and experience every moment as an adventure and an opportunity to discover. Thus, the wait passes unnoticed, the pain is forgotten more quickly, and smiles warm us.

Education

  • Considering the educational needs of children during treatment, the center provides support with educational materials and activities, ensuring that academic development will not be compromised.

Mothers' Safe Space

  • Offering a safe space for mothers to openly discuss the challenges of the disease and express their concerns is an integral part of the centre's approach.

Inclusion

  • The long-term aim of the service is to accommodate all children and parents in need of support, promoting inclusion and ensuring that no family feels isolated during the challenge they face. It represents a compassionate and holistic approach to paediatric oncology care, prioritising the wellbeing of both the child and their entire family.

We are guardians of childhood!