Children's Mental Health Week: Ayaan's Story
This Children’s Mental Health Week, we spoke with Ayaan’s Mum, Shareen, about the vital role our gaming services play in supporting hospital families. During Ayaan’s two-month stay in the children’s hospital, Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity helped keep him engaged and entertained, contributing to both his physical and mental recovery.
Ayaan’s Hospital Journey
“On the 16th of September 2024, Ayaan was hit by a car while crossing the road. He spent time in PICU before moving to the ward. Ayaan suffered a brain injury, broken leg and fractures in his pelvis. His left arm also had no movement.
I brought in his PlayStation controller and placed it in front of him, encouraging him to move his hand. Slowly but surely, his fingers began to move.
And that’s when we met the hospital’s Gamer-in-Residence, Steven.”
The Benefits of Gaming
“Steven was the highlight of Ayaan’s day.
Ayaan had a long road to recovery, with physiotherapy, speech and language sessions, occupational therapy and more. But spending time with Steven took Ayaan’s mind off everything. It let him be a child again - sitting in his hospital room, playing games with a friend.
His favourite game to play with Steven was Mario Kart. He loved how they played as a team and always won. Spending several weeks in a hospital bed, away from friends and unable to do what he loved, was tough for Ayaan. But having Steven there helped ease the loneliness & boredom and always lifted his mood.
Gaming made a huge difference in Ayaan’s recovery. It encouraged movement in his fingers, made him feel happy, and gave him something to look forward to. Ayaan spent two months in hospital, and having Steven and the gaming volunteers put a smile on his and other children’s faces through gaming made our experience of being in hospital a lot better.”