By Ellen Blessington | Communications Manager and Senior Fundraiser
Play in Healthcare Week took place from the 5th to the 9th of October, which helps raise awareness on the benefits of play in supporting children's development, emotional wellbeing and mental health. It is also a time to celebrate all those who create these vital opportunities for play, helping to transform a hospital experience from somewhere that can be scary and isolating, into a place full of creative activities, fun and happiness to support children's wellbeing.
Why Play Matters
We sat down with Julie and Katie who are Play Specialists at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, to hear how play is a very important tool to help children cope with anxiety, reduce trauma, supporting their emotional wellbeing, and help them understand their medical treatments. Click here to watch their interview!
What is better than one Giggle Doctor? Five of them!
Every week is a busy time for the Giggle Doctors with many visits taking place across the country. This week we are going all out for such an important time of year! We have scheduled extra visits to reach more children and families in hospital, and organised Giggle Doctor Takeover Days at two of our hospital parters.
Our first Giggle Doctor Take over day took place on Monday at Birmingham Children's Hospital, where Dr Scribble, Dr Geehee, Dr WotNot, Dr Flowerpot and Dr Dilly Dally created many playful moments for families to experience first-hand the difference play can have on your emotional wellbeing and hospital journey.
From bedside visits on the wards to designing their very own Giggle Doctor coats, colourful crowns and animals made from hospital gloves, there were many playful activities to take part in.
“It’s such a special and magical thing to help create many happy memories for children. It is also such a fun surprise, some families haven’t met us before and we have parents watching in wonder as their children are laughing and playing with us – sometimes it is the first time their child has smiled or laughed in days."
"A few times staff like nurses, cleaners and porters stop by the door or ward and watch, it’s like everyone gets the ripple effect of the fun too!” - Dr Scribble
It’s increasingly common to see the theme of trauma in children and young people’s experiences of hospital and healthcare settings which is being explored through research in the sector. It is through the power of play that Giggle Doctors address this and can help children make connections, express themselves and take control during these challenging periods.
This wouldn't be possible without wonderful supporters like you - thank you for keeping play at the heart of childhood all year long! We hope you know how much all of us at Theodora's appreciate it.
If you would like give the gift of a play break for a child in hospital, a £15 donation could help a Giggle Doctor visit a child and bring laughter, smiles and connection when they need it most!
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