Helium is dedicated to improving the wellbeing of children and young people in Ireland living with long-term physical health conditions. These conditions are defined as ongoing or persistent illnesses, diseases, or disorders that usually last for 12 months or more. Rather than being curable, they typically require continuous medical management to manage symptoms and maintain quality of life.

According to the Central Statistics Office (Irish Health Survey 2024), almost one in five (18.4%) children in Ireland aged 2 to 17 live with a long-standing illness or health problem. Additionally, over 30,000 annual hospital discharges are recorded for children with such conditions. These figures demonstrate the need to address the complex psychosocial challenges these children and youth face, including social isolation, stigma, and significant emotional strain placed on their families.