Maia Thornton shares findings (see below) from an online survey conducted with parents of children with appearance-affecting conditions, like microtia. She is now developing new support materials for parents/carers and we can’t wait to see them.
Exploring the experience of parents and carers of children with appearance affecting conditions or injuries
Online survey results summary
We greatly appreciate the time taken by all the participants to share their experiences. In total, 233 parents and carers completed the online survey. The questions within the survey were informed by parents and health professionals during previous in-depth interviews and focus groups.
The results found that there may be challenging experiences that make a parent more likely to experience difficult emotions, such as stress and anxiety. This might include things like their child experiencing social challenges, like teasing. Parents might also be worried about communicating with their child about their condition and this can also cause them to feel worried or stressed.
It was also found that certain things might prevent parents from feeling these kinds of difficult emotions. This might include feeling knowledgeable about their child’s condition and feeling confident in their ability to support their child.
What’s next?
These results have given us a better understanding parents and carers’ experiences of parenting children with appearance affecting conditions and injuries.
Using what we have learnt, the research team will now begin to design and develop new support materials for parents and carers. This will be done alongside a group of parent advisors to gain their advice and guidance on what kind of support would be beneficial.
Thank you again to everyone who took part in this study. This work could not be done without you and we are very grateful for your input.
Maia Thornton
Contact: maia.thornton@uwe.ac.uk
This research was funded by the University of the West of England and supported by the Vocational Training Charitable Trust Foundation.
Posted: October 5, 2021 by Tina Rycroft Leave a Comment
MED-EL Webinar
Last Updated: September 7, 2021 by Tina Rycroft Leave a Comment
100 books for 100 schools
100 books for 100 schoolsÂ
Coinciding with the start of the new school year, we have launched a new initative which will see 100 copies of our new book delivered to 100 schools across the UK. Project 100 has been designed to encourage schools and teachers to celebrate what makes each child unique in the classroom so we are asking them to join our mission on raising positive awareness around diversity and inclusion in all children.
We would love for anyone who is taking part in our project to leave a review on the Amazon book listing.
MI9: The Beginning can help us all to value and celebrate individuality in children through an epic superhero adventure
Last Updated: September 3, 2021 by Tina Rycroft Leave a Comment
Gillingham FC Signed Items
Place your highest bid on our signed football and XL shirt from Gillingham FC by completing our online form.
The highest bidder will be announced on Friday, 17th September. The donation must be made by the winner before we can post out the items.
Good luck!
Last Updated: August 5, 2021 by Tina Rycroft Leave a Comment
WIN our book
Click here to enter the competition here with Any Way To Stay At Home.
Good luck from all of us at Microtia UK!
Have a read of what Able Magazine thought about our new book, with comments from Hana (trustee) and Adam Rood (author).
Last Updated: August 5, 2021 by Tina Rycroft Leave a Comment
New Children’s Book!
We are pleased to announce the launch of our new and inspiring children’s book, commissioned to raise positive awareness of individuality, diversity, equality and inclusion among children.
‘MI9: The Beginning’, tells a captivating tale of five children who each embrace what makes them different to overcome challenges and save the day in this superhero action-filled adventure story.
The book features positive representations of these unique and inspiring characters who work together on a top secret mission! Nothing can stop these kids from succeeding. While navigating life at home, at school and with friends, each of the characters discover what makes them unique in the best possible way. This book can help us all to value and celebrate individuality in children through an epic superhero tale. So join Billy, who was born with microtia, on his exciting adventure!
Available to buy as a full colour book or eBook on our website. Also available for £6.99 in black in white on Amazon!
Last Updated: April 28, 2021 by Tina Rycroft Leave a Comment
Starting Education Booklet
We are really pleased to announce that we have received funding from
The funding will be used to create a new information guide for children starting in education. It’ll be a valuable resource for families who struggle to find the time to speak to teachers when their child starts at a new setting and it will also give parents more confidence to liaise with others by using the booklet as a conversation starter.
We look forward to putting it together and sharing it with you in the coming months.
Last Updated: April 3, 2021 by Tina Rycroft Leave a Comment
Research Findings!
Maia Thornton shares findings (see below) from an online survey conducted with parents of children with appearance-affecting conditions, like microtia. She is now developing new support materials for parents/carers and we can’t wait to see them.
Exploring the experience of parents and carers of children with appearance affecting conditions or injuries
Online survey results summary
We greatly appreciate the time taken by all the participants to share their experiences. In total, 233 parents and carers completed the online survey. The questions within the survey were informed by parents and health professionals during previous in-depth interviews and focus groups.
The results found that there may be challenging experiences that make a parent more likely to experience difficult emotions, such as stress and anxiety. This might include things like their child experiencing social challenges, like teasing. Parents might also be worried about communicating with their child about their condition and this can also cause them to feel worried or stressed.
It was also found that certain things might prevent parents from feeling these kinds of difficult emotions. This might include feeling knowledgeable about their child’s condition and feeling confident in their ability to support their child.
What’s next?
These results have given us a better understanding parents and carers’ experiences of parenting children with appearance affecting conditions and injuries.
Using what we have learnt, the research team will now begin to design and develop new support materials for parents and carers. This will be done alongside a group of parent advisors to gain their advice and guidance on what kind of support would be beneficial.
Thank you again to everyone who took part in this study. This work could not be done without you and we are very grateful for your input.
Maia Thornton
Contact: maia.thornton@uwe.ac.uk
This research was funded by the University of the West of England and supported by the Vocational Training Charitable Trust Foundation.
Posted: March 11, 2021 by Tina Rycroft Leave a Comment
Charlie was on the BBC News!
A huge well done to Charlie (aged 9) who was featured on the BBC news. Charlie talked about the impact that face masks have had on him and what he thinks the affects might be on other people who are deaf or have any type of hearing loss. You can watch his video here.
Last Updated: January 24, 2021 by Tina Rycroft Leave a Comment
Nigel’s Fundraising Journey
Nigel has begun his weight loss journey and we are supporting him all the way! As part of his journey he is raising funds for us as his grandaughter was born with right sided microtia. We can’t wait to receive updates of how he is getting on.
He has already raised £157 – Go Nigel! You can do it!
Last Updated: January 22, 2021 by Tina Rycroft Leave a Comment
MED-EL Patient Engagement Days