Eczema Outreach Scotland, formed in 2011, supports people affected by eczema.  It provides support, practical advice and networking opportunities to families of children and young people suffering from the condition.  The charity has just launched its first scrapbook to help people gain a better understanding of life with eczema. 

Susan Lowes, Voluntary Health Scotland Policy & Engagement Officer experienced eczema as a child on a mild basis, yet still remembers the impact it had on her life.  However, on reading the scrapbook, she was amazed to find out how little she actually knew about the condition and the extent of the impact that severe eczema can have on children and their families.

The scrapbook is an imaginative, innovative and engaging resource for working with children and adults alike.  It shows an excellent example of how a small organization can effectively highlight issues and how it can offer and promote its services and support.  Eczema Outreach Scotland has become a beacon of support for families and this scrapbook highlights that families do not have to deal with the condition on their own. 

Tackling social exclusion is a high priority for the third sector and often severe eczema can lead to social isolation and exclusion for children, adults and their families.  When families were asked about their experiences before and after joining Eczema Outreach Scotland, this is what they had to say:

“The night before I searched the internet for info on a support group, I had been crying, feeling no-one understood and I had nowhere to turn.”

 “Joining EOS makes us feel we aren’t alone.”

For more information on Eczema Outreach Scotland, please visit the website at www.eczemaoutreachscotland.org.uk. You can download the scrapbook here or order a copy at info@eczemaoutreachscotland.org.uk (donations welcome).