Local charity Koala NW launches project to raise awareness of RSV in little ones this Winter.

Koala North West, in partnership with four other local voluntary organisations – Wirral Multicultural Organisation, The Foundation Years Trust, Ferries Family Groups and Bee Wirral, have received a grant of more than £124,000 to support and respond to a potential surge in respiratory infections and RSV in children aged 0-3 in Wirral. 

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is a common viral infection, one that causes coughs and colds in Winter and can lead to bronchiolitis. Health bosses are concerned that many families may not recognise the symptoms.

The funding, part of the VCSE Health and Wellbeing Fund, will allow Koala NW, and their voluntary sector partners, to run a six-month awareness raising project, called ‘Little Lungs Wirral’, which will include outreach support, a weekly support group, training for staff, volunteers and parents and a helpline.

Bev Morgan, CEO of Koala NW, said:

“RSV is a common virus, that most little ones will get before their second birthday. Most children manage well at home and the virus does not require treatment with antibiotics, steroids or inhalers. The concern is that many children will not have built up much immunity in the past year, due to social distancing and other COVID-19 protective measures that have given many of us a break from coughs and colds.

“We’ve got some really interesting plans in the pipeline of our Little Lungs Wirral project and hope that, by raising awareness, we can help lots of Wirral parents understand the virus and when to seek medical advice for RSV or bronchiolitis.”

The VCSE Health and Wellbeing Fund is jointly run by the Department of Health and Social Care, Public Health England and NHS England and NHS Improvement.

In addition to Koala NW’s existing services, which provide local families with a range of support including antenatal services, breastfeeding peer support, family support, group sessions and more, Little Lungs Wirral will also offer weekly online support groups with a respiratory paediatric nurse alongside an interpretation service for BAME families from Wirral Multicultural Organisation.

Julie Webster, Wirral’s Director of Public Health, said:

“Following low infection levels in response to COVID-19 restrictions and good infection control measures that have been in place, many of us including small children, have dodged colds and viruses that were previously commonplace.

“As we mix more we are seeing a rise in respiratory infections, but getting the right support for viruses in little ones is crucial. Just because it’s ‘not Coronavirus’ doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be taken seriously.

“Koala NW are a massive support to the local families already. This project could help to spare lots of little ones from becoming quite unwell over the winter months.”

Symptoms of RSV include; runny nose, sneezing or nasal congestion, a cough, and sometimes fever.

Emma Easton, Head of Voluntary Partnerships at NHS England and NHS Improvement said:

“The VCSE sector has been instrumental during COVID-19 and other busy times at reducing pressure on the NHS.

“With a projected increase in respiratory viruses amongst children over the winter months, the VCSE Health and Wellbeing Fund is a fantastic opportunity to ensure that VCSE organisations can work alongside NHS Trusts to provide support for parents / carers whose children have developed complications from respiratory viruses such as bronchiolitis.

“The types of projects being funded range from Helplines to ensure that parents / carers can make informed decisions about their child’s illness, to direct support to families while their child is in hospital.”

Symptoms of RSV in children include:

• Mild fever
• Persistent cough
• Runny nose
• Working harder with the breathing 

If your child has any of these symptoms, please contact your GP or dial 111.

To learn more about Koala NW and Little Lungs Wirral, visit:  www.koalanw.co.uk/little-lungs-wirral.