Our Impact News The difference aftercare makes for children Last year we caught up with Jo Petheram to learn about her dedicated role within our Patient and Family Liaison Team as Lead Nurse for Children’s Care. A year later, we look at what she’s been focusing on, and how tailored aftercare can support children and families following pre-hospital care. Jo is part of our Patient and Family Liaison Team, who provide vital support to patients and families treated by Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. The team bridges the gap between the care delivered by our critical care team and the ongoing recovery process, helping families understand what happened and where to turn next. That might include: Answering questions Offering reassurance Helping families find the right help at the right time Tailored aftercare for children Through this dedicated role, Jo is able to focus specifically on supporting the children cared for by our critical care team, as well as their families and siblings. Every child’s experience is different, so aftercare is tailored to each family. From airbase visits and child-friendly resources, to signposting specialist charities and services, Jo helps make a difficult experience feel more manageable. She also works with children’s hospitals and regional partners to strengthen pathways of care beyond the immediate emergency. Nearly a year later, Jo and our Patient and Family Liaison Team are continuing their amazing work supporting children, adults and their families at some of the most difficult times in their lives. Read the spotlight on Jo Little Peggy Many children have now been introduced to Little Peggy, a specially designed cuddly toy just for young patients or whose loved ones have needed our care. The toy is helping to create a gentle, reassuring connection between children and our service. You can see how Little Peggy is helping children and their families on Instagram at @_littlepeggy. Looking ahead: Little Peggy’s Picnic Jo is also planning a special meet-up, Little Peggy’s Picnic, set to take place in 2027. The event will bring together children and families impacted by DSAA’s work, offering an opportunity to: Meet others with shared experiences Share support and understanding Share a sense of community This community of families is also the main motivation behind the Little Peggy Instagram page. New resources A new leaflet is currently in production to give parents practical tools to help guide children through the grief and trauma of visiting a loved one in hospital. It will support families in: Approaching difficult conversations Navigating home life Accessing extra support during an incredibly challenging time Hear from Jo… Watch the video below as Jo explains why tailored aftercare for children matters, and the difference it can make for children and their families following pre-hospital care. Manage Cookie Preferences