Long Covid Kids have been fighting for recognition, and providing support for the children and young people across the UK who are victims of Covid infections, either mild or severe – who went on to develop Long Covid; a multi-system condition which can cause life-changing illness.
Earlier this year, Long Covid Kids were granted core participant status in Scottish Covid Inquiry, meaning we form a part of the official inquiry into the Scottish Government’s handling and decision-making around the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Inquiry began in October with opening statements from Core Participants, and on 25th October 2023, our Opening Statement was read by our legal advocate, Andrew Webster KC.
"There needs to be accountability: accountability for failures, oversights & indifference."
"This Inquiry must engage in a robust, probing, challenging & unrelenting critical analysis of what those entrusted with their care, in government & in our health service, did & failed to do to recognise & act upon the risks of Long Covid."
On 2nd November, Helen Goss, COO & Scotland Lead was called to give evidence. As a full time carer for her daughter and also living with Long Covid, she gave evidence remotely.
Helen expressed disappointment at #LongCovidKids being dismissed & ignored by the public institutions who are supposed to help them.
"They are dismissed and ignored by the very public bodies who are supposed to be there to protect and support them. They are dismissed and ignored by the Scottish Government, they are dismissed and ignored by NHS Scotland, by Public Health Scotland, by local authorities..."
Later that afternoon, Helen spoke live on BBC Radio Scotland Drive time with Fiona Stalker.
Supported by the lived experience of Heather and Abi.
Coverage continued with reports supported by Jennifer and Fergus, on BBC Alba, BBC Scotland, STV and various news outlets; listed below.
Long Covid Kids on BBC News
Long Covid Kids on STV News
Long Covid Kids in The Herald
Find out about our visit to the Scottish Parliament on 28th June 2022.
Families in the Scottish Long Covid Kids Support Services met Humza Yousaf MSP, Dame Jackie Baillie MSP and Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP outside the Scottish Parliament to deliver the LCK Support Guide, hand written letters from the children, and to ask the Scottish Government to help them. Read more...
Find out more about our visit to No 10 Downing Street on 1st April 2022.
BBC - Long Covid: Children affected take fight to Downing Street
BBC - Yeovil long Covid patient delivers Downing Street petition
Press & Journal - ‘We need help’: Nine-year-old girl battling long Covid in plea to the prime minister
SKY FYI - FYI episode 166 - Shown on SKY news.
Daily Express - Long Covid campaigners descend on Downing Street as 119,000 UK kids suffer horror symptoms
About
In 2021 Long Covid Kids became the first UK-based, international registered charity advocating for families, children and young people living with Long Covid.
Charity Number: 1196170 in England and Wales and SC052424 in Scotland
The charity focuses on recognition, support and recovery, has already received recognition from the NHS and the Centre for Disease Control in the USA, and is a recommended resource in the NICE Long Covid guidelines.
Our Mission
Purpose
We believe all children should be able to thrive and look forward to a positive future. That is why we represent and support children and young people living with Long Covid and related illnesses and the parents and caregivers that look after them.
Our Vision
To achieve recognition, support and recovery for Long Covid and related illnesses in children and young people
Support Our Work
While children are living with life-changing symptoms and families struggle to seek support, we need to be here. Your donation will be used directly to support families living with Long Covid. Find out more about our Impact.
