Bringing the power of gaming to Skye House

Skye House has levelled up its gaming equipment and resources, thanks to Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity’s gaming programme, Games for the Weans, and support from Child’s Play. 

As part of their ongoing support of NHS GGC services, Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity’s Gamer-in-Residence, Steven Mair, led the donation. It includes a Nintendo Switch 2 console and several board games like The Logo Board Game, The Sims Board Game, and Meme Machine for Skye House and its young people. 

An inpatient unit which cares for young people aged 12 to 18 who are experiencing serious mental health challenges, Skye House aims to provide a safe environment where teenagers can focus on recovery. Admissions can range from a short crisis stay to longer treatments, with young people receiving ongoing support from doctors, psychologists, nursing and other specialists throughout their stay. 

Skye House has already seen the positive impact the much-needed games upgrade has had, making a real difference for its young people by offering meaningful distractions and bringing the joy of gaming to their stay after older consoles and board games were replaced.  

“Skye House staff and young people are so grateful for the Children's Hospital Charity providing us with new gaming equipment. The new games console and board games have made a huge difference to the young people and has allowed us to provide a wider variety of activities on the ward. Having the portable console allows us provide activity to young people where they feel most comfortable whilst engaging in a meaningful distraction.” 

Jemma McCann, Activities Coordinator at Skye House 

As the Gamer-in-Residence, Steven ensures that no child goes without their Player Two during their time within the Royal Hospital for Children. Studies have demonstrated that gaming can help reduce feelings of isolation and boredom, as well as offering support and distraction for young people and their families. Steven hopes that by expanding the gaming support of Games for the Weans, the same impact can be achieved at Skye House. 

"It's a privilege to expand our gaming support to more facilities across the west of Scotland, but this wouldn't be possible without the amazing support of our partners, particularly Child's Play. Their support from across the Atlantic will allow young people at Skye House to express themselves and relax through gaming, when they need it most." 

Steven Mair, Gamer-in-Residence at Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity 

The donation was made possible thanks to the incredible support from Child’s Play.  The American charity have not only fully funded and provided training for the Gamer in Residence role for the next two years, but they have also committed over $98,000 to Games for The Weans. The generous donation will allow the Gamer-in-Residence and Games for the Weans to continue to support children and young people like those at Skye House and make a real difference.