A Scottish children’s hospital now has a play area for children to play with

A children’s hospital in Scotland now has a player residency in what is said to be a first in the UK and Ireland. Steven Mair, the first person to take on the role full-time, will play games with children at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow.

As with other sports-related charitable initiatives in children’s hospitals, the aim is to help patients relax and reduce feelings of boredom and isolation, while providing a sense of escape. Research has shown that playing games can help reduce procedural pain and anxiety in pediatric patients, as well as the anxiety of their caregivers.

Mair also organizes sports events at the centre, raising money for new play equipment and running volunteer games for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity. The charity set up the gamer shelter with the help of partners Devolver Digital and Neonhive after raising more than £100,000 ($129,000) last year through initiatives such as the Scottish Games Sale on Steam for a campaign called Games for the Weans (“weans ” is a Scottish word for “children”). Meanwhile, a $12,000 donation from Child’s Play earlier this year will help fund the replacement of older Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 systems with hospital-compatible consoles.

“Kids in Jace’s ward can stay longer and have stronger treatment plans. This can include physical pain and many new emotions. In general, parents may feel helpless at times. For my son Jace in particular, he is an experienced gamer. The blood disorder has prevented him from going outside or starting school,” said Catherine Reid, seven-year-old Jace’s mother, in a statement that I could not continue without being sick.

“When the player sitting with him came to play Mario on Nintendo, he just lit up and smiled. It was an instant boost for him mentally and physically. In fact, I think that often what kids want is a good time and playing with new friends.”

This is a wonderful idea. Staying in the hospital can be difficult for anyone, but especially for children and their families. You can help support the residential play program and other charitable initiatives that help young hospital patients through gaming by donating to the likes of Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity and Child’s Play.

Meanwhile, Extra Life’s Game Day, an event where players and communities raise funds for children’s hospitals, will take place on November 2. You can register to participate or make a donation on the Extra Life website.