Clown Round

Introduction

Clown Doctors visit young people in hospitals and hospices and engage them in clowning, storytelling, music, magic, circus skills and improvisation. 

They focus on supporting and empowering young patients and their families during what can be a challenging time, tailoring activities thoughtfully and sensitively, putting the individual at the heart of each interaction.

In April and May 2025 the Clown Doctors have delivered a series of sessions funded by Saffron Building Society through the Essex Community Foundation and the talented artists who are the Clown Doctor team will be leading and developing the programme in 2025 / 2026.

What inspired this project?

A stay in hospital can be daunting for anybody, but for children and young people, it can be particularly hard. As well as coping with feelings of discomfort, an individual may be dealing with unfamiliar medical difficulties and the upset of being away from loved ones and the comforts of home.

Clown round aims to increase the wellbeing of patients and their families by providing distraction and a positive focus, helping to: increase happiness and confidence; decrease anxiety and feelings of isolation as well as building resilience and feelings of self-belief.