On 4 December, our Bromley Haemoglobinopathy Community Nursing Service hosted their annual Festive Sickle Cell Social in Orpington. The event brought together adults in Bromley living with sickle cell, as well as parents and carers of children affected by the condition, for a day of connection and support.
Guests enjoyed refreshments, creative activities, and the chance to meet others in the local community who share similar experiences. At the event, our Enhanced Sickle Cell Community Care team answered questions, offered guidance, and provided information about the support available across Bromley for individuals and families living with sickle cell.
“It was lovely to see adult patients and parents enjoying some time for themselves and sharing aspects of living with sickle cell disorder. As this was the first combined event for adults and the families of paediatric patients, it was wonderful to see how those further on in their journey with sickle cell were able to chat and be supportive to the families of younger children. It was also really helpful to have the professionals of the enhanced sickle cell community team on hand to advise and share their expertise with patients and families in a comfortable and informal setting,” said Debbie Bodi, Children and Young People Haemoglobinopathy Clinical Nurse Specialist.
The feedback from guests was also positive:
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“Debbie and the team organised a safe environment with activities and delicious food for both adults and children. Parents and caregivers could seek advice from professionals or other parents which was beneficial for everyone. The children made new friends and it was a great chance to find out ways we can help and volunteer in the future.”
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“I enjoyed speaking with other people and sharing our experiences with sickle cell.”
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“Everyone was very welcoming and helpful. They provided information and help when I was overwhelmed.”
The Festive Sickle Cell Social aimed to help reduce isolation, provide access to vital resources, and increase awareness and reduce any stigma around sickle cell. By strengthening peer support, families can feel more confident in managing the condition and advocating for better care when needed. We look forward to hosting more opportunities like this in the future.
About the Bromley Haemoglobinopathy Community Nursing Service
The Bromley Haemoglobinopathy Community Nursing Service is part of the South East London Sickle Cell Improvement Programme, a two-year pilot aimed at improving services across all care settings for better care, experience, and outcomes for people living with sickle cell disorder. The Service supports any patient with a Haemoglobinopathy (i.e. Sickle Cell Disorder or Thalassaemia), living in the Borough of Bromley or registered with a Bromley GP, and is under the care of a Haematology Specialist. The team also includes psychologists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, dietitians and welfare support officers who provide support, care, and advice to people in home and clinic settings, and host a range of wellbeing events throughout the year to support those living with sickle cell. The initiative was covered on ITV last year: