Research
We help to fund research into the main problems of post-burn problems in children. Out aim is to help find "ground-breaking" solutions for treating burn wounds and preventing problematic outcomes from burns.
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Burns care has developed rapidly since the Second World War – back in the 1950’s burn injuries involving more than one-third of the body surface area were considered fatal. Since this time there have been advances in critical care management, anaesthesia, nutrition and skin grafting to improve survival of burn-injured patients. However, psychological and physical outcomes of a burn injury remain a major challenge for burn survivors.
The Children’s Burns Foundation seeks to work closely with the University of Manchester and other academic institutions to support clinicians and scientists in their endeavour to reduce the psychological and physical burden of burn injury.
To date, we have supported the burns research laboratory at the University of Manchester with grants for basic equipment and materials which have helped the researchers to start their investigation into the genetic basis of changes in the colour of scars, a problem that can cause significant psychological distress to burn survivors.
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A recent grant from the Children’s Burns Foundation helped researchers from the University of Manchester discover that the wounds made in different ways such as by knife or by hot objects, heal differently. This means that mechanisms which control burn scarring are different from other types of scarring and need targeted research to improve outcomes. The researchers are also investigating the genes involved in changes in the colour of the scars after burn injury.
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​Over the next 3 years, we are committed to investing over £30,000 in research that will investigate new ways to improve the healing of burn-injured skin.
Research
Rehabilitation
We support projects aimed at rehabilitating a burn-injured young person to lead a life where scars don’t limit.
The Manchester Children’s Burns Camps are an example of the kind of rehabilitation project that we help to provide funds for. The camp is run jointly by the Burns Service at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and by a team of volunteers. These annual camps for burn-injured children were first started in 1993.
Children and young people who are undergoing treatment at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital are invited to come along. There are a range of programmes for children of different ages. This is no ordinary holiday; the week-long stay in an activity centre offers the chance to build strength and confidence through challenging activities such as rock climbing, abseiling and canoeing. It also gives the children and young people the opportunity to learn about how to handle difficult situations like being teased or how to face the public gaze with a strong sense of who you are.
It costs over £800 for each child to attend camp.
To date, we have awarded over £62,000 to Manchester Children’s Burns Camp.
Recovery
We help to fund activity days, on-line support, workshops and summer camps to foster positive social support networks and inspire confidence and independence following a burn injury
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The Manchester Paediatric Burns Service at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital recognised that gaining access to psychological support can be difficult for some children and young people. This could be because they live in a remote location, family circumstances or the demands of keeping up with friends and school work.
Online therapy services offer vital psychological support for young people who might not otherwise be able to access it. They provide a forum for young people to have video appointments or online, real-time chat with specialist psychologists to discuss their worries, share ideas about ways of tackling these and build up their resilience and confidence.
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​Setting up such a service and running it for two years costs £35,000. The Manchester Paediatric Burns Service asked for our help. We were proud to be able to give a sizeable contribution towards this valuable project. This was a groundbreaking service. It is the first time in the UK that a programme has been set up to offer online therapy to young people with burn injuries. We were delighted to give it our wholehearted backing.
Why do burn injuries deserve special attention?
A burn injury is one of the most painful injuries we can experience. Whatever the cause: hot liquid, fire, chemical, friction, or radiation, the damage triggered by a burn is long-lasting. The damaged skin may need replacing and can cause permanent changes to the structure of the skin and surrounding tissues. These “scars” can limit growth, function and make the young person feel vulnerable amongst peers. A burn injury is a life-changing event for the young person and their families.
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Leaving hospital can be a daunting prospect
After surviving the trauma of the burn injury, young people and their families also have to cope with the rigors of the outside world. Many children and young people describe how they become the target of bullying and have to cope with people staring at them. Going into the school playground or the college canteen or even riding on the bus can be a challenge. At the Children’s Burn’s Foundation, we believe in empowering young people, helping them to find the courage and determination it takes to recover and to build a positive sense of who they are.
