Shrawan’s young son has been in and out of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital since he was born. In this video, Shrawan talks about the challenges of parenting an unwell child, and the bright moments of normality and joy that come from being visited by an artist on the ward.
Watch the video or read the transcript below.
Shrawan shares how a musician from the CW+ Arts for All programme brought comfort and connection to his child during a hospital stay
Shrawan's story: transcript
My son has been under Chelsea and Westminster’s care from the time he was born. It has been an extremely challenging, but equally, a very supportive journey. The clinicians here, the team here, have been very supportive at every step.
The challenges of parenting an unwell child
It would have been far more challenging without that support. The challenges around being in hospital, I think, are far beyond the hospital boundaries. So often people see people attending – parents or families, their children – but the challenges are not just there. It’s beyond the hospital setting.
You’re worried about the children who are at home. You’re worried about your work situation. You’re worried about leave, your finances. You’re worried, most importantly, that your child is where they are, how soon they are going to get better, what the situation is, getting updates all the time, uncertainty. Multiple things go through your mind, but equally, your mental health.
A magical moment
The first time I was visited by a musician, he was playing some musical instruments and they were coming to see the child next to my son. They were playing to somebody else, but I was feeling happy that the child next to my son was happy! They were not attended by their families, so the child was on their own, but I could see the love and attention the child was getting, which was very, very important.
When it came to my son, they started playing the instrument and my son was a little unwell at that moment in time. He wasn’t really interested. So in some ways it was stimulating for him, and for me it was nice to see. What was important about this was the person who was playing the instrument – his intent. I think, the intent being that even if a child wasn’t engaging, to try and engage them, make them feel that they are valued. Make them feel that I have time for you. Make them feel that there are normal things which happen in abnormal times.
More than just a performance
If somebody can voice what they like, what they don’t like, it’s much easier for any person to work with them, but what is a challenge is when you are a parent to a child who can’t say what they like, what they don’t, and you see that people give up very easily. Seeing the artist making such an effort, going above and beyond just simple tasks, I think that was great to see.
Moments of relief and connection
I think for me it was relaxing – I felt better because it can be very isolating, as I said, when you are in hospital for a prolonged period of time, when you can’t see your family, when families can’t see you, when you are with your child trying to make sure that they get better, you can rest sometimes. So, your physical and emotional stress, you know, social worries, all of those things which are going through your mind.
But I think at the time, the attempt they were making, they were making me feel good about it because my child was being valued. They were making a lot of effort to make sure that he’s happy, and seeing his happiness meant a lot to me.
Every year, our Arts for All artists visit thousands of patients like Shrawan’s son, making their stay in hospital a little less difficult.
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