“I think they are kind-hearted and caring. I went from flooded with worry to flooded with happiness.” Riley, Patient
“A thousand thank yous for bringing a smile to my child’s face for the first time in a week.” Christine, Parent
“The children love them, they can coax a smile out of the trickiest of patients and relax the most anxious parent. It gives the nurses a boost to see the children and their families smile. It really is such a valuable resource that makes a remarkable difference to recovery.” Sarah Amos, Play Specialist, Colchester Hospital
What is Clown Round:
Our Clown Doctors bring fun, laughter and distraction to children, young people and their families in hospitals and hospices across Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex.
Our team of Clown Doctors visit young people on the wards and engage them in clowning, storytelling, music, magic, circus skills and improvisation. They focus on supporting and empowering young patients during what can be a challenging time, tailoring activities thoughtfully and sensitively with individuals at the heart of each interaction.
Who is Clown Round for:
Young patients and their families in hospitals and hospices across Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex.
When & Where is Clown Round happening:
Clown Round has been running since 2008 and currently makes regular visits to James Paget, Ipswich, Colchester and Norfolk and Norwich Hospitals and to EACH hospices in Suffolk and Norfolk.
In light of COVID-19, we have suspended face-to-face delivery of Clown Round in many of our hospitals and hospices whilst we explore ways to ensure it is safe to resume visits.
After careful preparation, we have resumed visits to the Norfolk & Norwich Hospital, and are working closely with EACH to bring our Clown Doctor fun back to the hospices and to families in isolation via Zoom.
Our Clown Doctors have also been working hard at home to create a series of videos which allow them to reach young patients in hospital and at home while they are unable to make visits in person.
You can view these videos here: https://www.suffolkartlink.org.uk/clown-round-videos/
Contact:
Siobhan Johnson on 01986 873 955 or siobhan@suffolkartlink.org.uk
Further information:
Clown Round has been made possible by generous funding from BBC Children in Need, Norfolk Community Foundation through Shelroy Charitable Trust, Suffolk Community Foundation through Suffolk Giving Fund, Annie Tranmer Charitible Trust, Georffrey Watling Charity and Paul Bassham Trust, The Fitton Trust.
