EYP- Empowering Young Patients: Enhancing Inclusion and Civic Participation of Vulnerable Children in Hospitals.

ongoing

"EYP - Empowering Young Patients is a pioneering pilot project to be tested out in Italy, aimed at implementing best practices to enhance children's inclusion and participation in civic life within hospitals. Grounded in the principles of the EU Framework of Children rights, the Convention of the Rights of the Child and, at the national level, the ""Carta dei bambini in Ospedale"" and the guidelines of the Italian Education Ministry, EYP seeks to create an alternative, engaging hospital experience for children undergoing long-term care. Children in hospitals face many challenges that significantly impact their enjoyment of the rights to socialization, inclusion, education and civic participation. The unique context of a hospital environment, especially during prolonged stays, poses hurdles that can hinder a child's ability to engage with the social and community aspects of life. In addressing these challenges, the project seeks to create a more holistic and inclusive hospital environment, providing children with opportunities for social interaction, education, and civic engagement. By doing so, the project aims to empower children, enhance their well-being, and contribute to the creation of a supportive community, that include schools and educators, families, hospital staff and institutional stakeholders. The objective will be supported starting at a small scale within Policlinico Universitario Gemelli in Rome and will be carried out by a consortium of 5 partners with expertise in education, inclusion, youth-led practices and research. Activities include: 1.Needs Analysis and Stakeholders engagement through the use of participatory processes and a specific focus on youth-led strategies (WP2) 2.Co-design, Definition and Piloting of strategies for children’s participatory processes both in and outside of the Hospital (WP3); 3. Policy Making actions and dialogue with institutions (WP4); 4. Communication and dissemination strategies at national and EU level (WP5). "