Harvey’s Gang encourages ill children to become trainee biomedical scientists for the day and tour the laboratories with family members. The tours give children and families a chance to go behind the scenes and are suited to children’s individual needs and interests. Tours help children face their fears, answers questions families or children may have as well as an understanding why taking blood is important.
Upon arrival, children are given a white laboratory coat and a trainee scientist badge, as well as a goody bag. On tours of the laboratory, families and children learn where the blood samples arrive and how they are registered; they can see all the equipment and machines such as centrifuges and analysers and a look at where all the blood is stored.
Harvey’s Gang has expanded to over 47 sites across the globe and is continuously expanding.