Beneficiary Spotlight - Hearts & Minds
We granted £3,000 to support their Clowndoctors programme
Next to be in our Beneficiary Spotlight is Hearts & Minds. Hearts & Minds run a programme called ‘Clowndoctors’ which runs in hospitals, hospices, respite units and special education schools throughout Scotland.
We funded £3,000 for the Hearts & Minds Clowndoctors programme to run in Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife, supporting children in our area. Clowndoctors use elements of music, dance and movement, puppetry, games, magic and gentle slapstick, and the resulting laughter allows children to access ways of regulating their emotions and so become less anxious. The visits allow children to open up creatively and emotionally.
The children who are visited by Clowndoctors have:
• Ongoing physical pain or debilitation
• Procedures which they may find painful, distressing or confusing
• Boredom and isolation
• Loss of self-esteem and confidence
• Loss of control
• Difficulty with communication or physical skills
• Difficulty taking part in group activities
We love the philosophy behind the Clowndoctors. They believe that one should always look beyond the illness and ability of the child to their psychological and emotional needs, thereby helping to overcome challenges such as stress, pain, frustration and loss of control.
The funding was used to deliver visits where the children needed to overcome problems associated with their illness. Whether it’s a therapy bubble-blowing contest for patients who need to build lung capacity, or physio for children post-op to walk down a red scarf carpet pretending they are a knight or princess, the Clown doctors make the hospital experience more bearable for both the participant and their family.
Within their classroom programme the Clowndoctors work with children with complex special needs. If the children are relaxed and happy (and having fun!), they can learn more easily than if they feel anxious or upset. The Clown Doctors assist the teaching staff with various elements of the Curriculum for Excellence: Literacy & Language; Numeracy; Dance & Movement; Music & Expressive Arts; Health & Wellbeing; Drama & Role-play. Each interaction is tailored to the needs of every child enabling them to learn at the pace suitable for them.
Case Studies
“We started indirect play because the girl we were visiting seemed either unsure or a little affected by medication or her illness. (It was a last minute referral). We were cleaning her door (physical and vocal slapstick) using scarves as pull-cord powered Hoovers. The laughter and confidence built as we took risks to enter the room and when Wallop's Hoover went rogue and hoovered Dad and then got stuck in his hair the girl laughed a lot. We repeated the sequence and she encouraged this. Lots of playful engagement and shared anticipation from family. The room felt brighter than when we arrived.”
“My daughter has been in and out of hospital for most of her life, we came in today to get a tracheostomy. Through the use of silk scarves, music and song I just felt they snapped her back to life post-surgery. It was pitched perfectly for her and she was alert, happy and smiling. It was great that someone else was entertaining her for a change. For a child like mine, what the Clowndoctors did with her was educational. It’s the kind of stimulation and interaction that suits her.” Mum of 6 year old.
Quotes from parents:
"That was fantastic, a fantastic reaction from him. He usually hardly reacts to activities and is either asleep or 'flat'. Amazing to see him vocalise, engage, giggle and laugh so much" Teacher
“She just lights up when she sees you” Mum
I’m sure you will agree that the work the Clown Doctors do in creating a positive, fun environment in a tricky, stressful and sometimes intimidating situation for a child is really amazing. Here at Cash for Kids we are delighted to have been able to support such a worthwhile cause. Putting smiles on kids’ faces who need it most. Thank you to all of our supporters, YOU made this happen.
Finally, Pip from Hearts & Minds has this message for our supporters:
“Some of the children we visit are in so much pain physically and mentally that their parents sometimes go weeks without seeing a smile. Most of the children we see are isolated by their illness and don’t get to play with other children. The fundraisers and supporters enable us to open up each child’s imagination and take them out of their world of pain, increase confidence, help them to laugh and feel enjoyment and wonder. Seeing these kids laugh and connect is a humbling experience. Thank you.”