Building Unifying Diligent Services
BUDS is a Long Island-based program. We work hard to allow different people of all ages to connect in ways that can change not only themselves, but the world.
Our Goal
To provide a welcoming atmosphere in which individuals of all ages and backgrounds can interact and exchange knowledge, as well as learn from one another.
How We Do It
By developing connections we spark a positive change on a large scale, as well as within individuals. By using engaging videos and fun events, we aim to empower our community to embrace diversity, foster understanding and have a significant impact that extends well beyond our local borders.
Reaching Out to Children in Need
At BUDS, our main mission is to promote the connection of different people to create a worldwide community. But, we have to start with the next generation. We have to start with the children.
11%
and more children around 10 to 15 years old were found to be frequently lonely
Out of this 11%, children aged 10 to 12 years were found to be lonelier than children aged 13 to 15 years
Office for National Statistics' analysis using the Community Life Survey 2016 to 2017 and Good Childhood Index Survey, 2018
Why is it that younger children are struggling with loneliness at a higher rate than older ones? No, forget that, why are children even struggling with loneliness at all?
Isolation
Children that are stuck at hospitals can begin to feel different from the other kids; thus, experiencing seperations in their social lives. This can cause loneliness.
We need to make sure these kids' social needs are being met, as that could be the only way to keep them from experiencing loneliness in single room isolation.
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Our pen pal program is made to fight this problem among yougner and older children. This way, any person can begin socializing with someone else. In a way, our penpal program could be a bridge between a child's hospital bed to the world that is waiting for them.
What Does This Mean?
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Due to the empty and socially devoid nature of a hospital room, even parents feel pressure to visit their children. Couldn't we, at BUDS, and as a open community, help these children socialize like they should?
A literature review done on this topic found that, "children feel lonely, are scared of the personal protective equipment and feel bored."
It is also listed that, "Patients' parents feel guilty, worried and under increased pressure to visit their children."
Austin D, Prieto J, Rushforth H. The child's experience of single room isolation: a literature review. Nurs Child Young People. 2013 Apr;25(3):18-24. doi: 10.7748/ncyp2013.04.25.3.18.e145. PMID: 23691901.