Ariadne Project implements an innovative service under the responsibility of the Intensive Care Forum, a non-profit organization. This service provides Psychosocial Support to children of severely ill patients hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Nicosia General Hospital. The unique characteristic of Ariadne is that interventions may also be conducted through telecommunication systems.

Target group...

The service offered by Ariadne Project is for children and adolescents, aged between four (4) to eighteen (18) years old who wish to speak on issues concerning or arising from the hospitalization of their loved ones in the ICU.

Our focus...

The research team of Ariadne Project aims on creating a supportive network that focuses on the protection of underage family members of patients hospitalized in the ICU.

Implementation...

Ariadne Project is funded by the EEA Grants and under the framework of Funds for Non-Governmental Organizations for Cyprus 2009-2014 (contract number EEA/CY03/3.9.).

Minimal access in ICU...

In most cases, children and adolescents are unable to visit the clinical setting in which their loved one is being hospitalized due to limited access. But most times, the efforts to protect the children results in their isolation and alienation from their loved one. This may cause unwanted emotions, learning problems and adjustment difficulties.

Concern...

Considering that psychological support for children provided by professional Psychologists is not very common in such settings, as the symptoms are not recognized in time or "undervalued", this should be enough to worry parents.