Play Therapy - helping kids be kids
Being sick is no fun at all. Play therapy brings a bit of joy and laughter back into the day for the sick children being cared for at CHI hospitals and urgent care centres.
Because of your kindness, Children’s Health Foundation is able to fund a wide range of fun, diverting and therapeutic events and activities for little ones who really need cheering up.
The Saturday Club has been running successfully at CHI in Temple Street for well over a decade, bringing colour and song to patients in hospital at the weekends.
Two play staff members lead a range of great activities such as arts and crafts, face painting, and sensory play. The wide range of activities available suit children and young people of all ages and abilities.
There are also two children’s entertainers who visit each of the wards, providing entertainment for all children and their families. These include magic shows, clown doctors and musicians.
The Saturday Club gives patients something to look forward to, alleviates boredom, and allows for positive memories from a child’s stay at CHI in Temple Street.
Special events are hosted by the play team in CHI at Temple Street to celebrate popular dates, seasons and events such as Halloween, Christmas, summer, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day/Father’s Day, and St. Patrick’s Day.
The playroom and wards are decorated with theme specific decorations, arts and crafts events take place, and patients from each ward including the outpatient and the A&E Department will often receive small gifts in keeping with the event.
These exciting events create some really lovely memories, add a healthy dose of cheer, and bring a sense of normality and comfort to the children and their families.
The Giggle Fund is a brilliant initiative based out of CHI at Crumlin, made possible through the generosity of our supporters across Ireland and beyond. It helps bring smiles and joy to sick children spending time in hospital. ​
Special moments are created throughout the year – from summer ice-creams and birthday parties to movie nights and pizza parties. Little highlights that help our little heroes get through the challenges they face.
The Annual Assisted Therapy Programme provides children on the wards at CHI at Temple Street with pet therapy once a week, since 2011. Buster and Schui, alongside their owner Jeanette, have become a regular and much loved feature at the hospital.
A cuddle from their favourite furry friend has become the highlight of the week for many patients, especially those who are in long term treatment. Pet therapy brings affection and companionship. It can also aid social interaction, create a positive experience in the hospital, and may help with withdrawal and loneliness.