February saw the start of our unique arts project – Giggle Visits – which aims to help bring distraction and joy to families in women’s refuges in Norfolk.
Our ‘Giggle Workers’ headed off to one of Leeway’s larger women’s refuges in Norfolk, to use their special brand of artistry to bring fun, laughter and distraction to children, young people and their families.
The artists focus on supporting and empowering young people and their families at what can be a challenging time, tailoring creative activities thoughtfully and sensitively with each individual at the heart of each interaction.
Giggle Visits brings the ethos of our Clown Round project, which takes place in hospitals and hospices around the region, to women’s refuges. This is the first time in the UK that ‘Clown Doctoring’, a well-known approach to improving wellbeing in children, has been brought to this new setting.
Carrie Phoenix, our Giggle Visits Project Officer, explains: “We know from our existing Clown Round project that children who have experienced trauma can really benefit from joyful and creative interactions with our artists.
“Our Giggle Workers will help children to learn simple new tasks, like plate spinning, to help them feel empowered and confident. They will also use a creative approach to help the young people express themselves and engage with others.
“We know that the use of laughter and creative play can produce a more relaxed and happier environment and help to reduce feelings of fear and anxiety. We are really looking forward to bringing these benefits to women’s refuges in Norfolk this year.”
A spokesperson for Leeway added: “We are delighted that Suffolk Artlink’s “Giggle Workers” are working with the children, young people and families in our refuges to bring some laughter in what will undoubtedly be a difficult and upsetting time for them. The skills they learn will help them to build their confidence and will help them to settle into their new surroundings. It will really benefit the children, who may feel sad if they have moved away from friends and family.”
As well as continuing regular visits at one of Leeway’s larger women’s refuges in Norfolk, in April the Giggle Workers will start making regular visits to another of their Norfolk locations.
The project has been made possible thanks to around £10,000 funding from Children in Need.
For more information, visit our projects page.