The 5th – 9th October marks Play in Healthcare Week, a time to celebrate the vital role play can have in supporting children and young people in their healthcare journey.
Candlelighters has long been an ambassador for play for children and young people with cancer, recognising the importance of supporting play within the hospital and our services.
Throughout Candlelighters’ 50-year history we’re proud to have worked closely with NHS services to provide the best care and continue to transform services to help improve care and support for children and young people with cancer in Yorkshire.
Natalie, our Head of Family Support, said: “We truly believe in the importance of play at Candlelighters, and for over three decades we have invested in play support both in and outside the hospital. From investing in materials to funding specialist roles, and helping to keep children active and moving through play, we’re proud to champion the importance of play in healthcare.”
For over 30 years, Candlelighters funded play team roles in the children’s Haematology and Oncology department at Leeds Children’s Hospital, and today we still work closely with the Play Team, recognising when there’s a need for specialist intervention.
Our Family Support Workers often also work closely with medical professionals to encourage light movement and activity, and encourage patients to take part in fun and engaging activities, which can be particularly important during treatment and long hospital stays.
We’re also proud to fund the Candlelighters Outreach Play Specialist service. For over 10 years, Outreach Play Specialist, Tracy, has been delivering therapeutic play to patients and families in their homes, helping them to understand their diagnoses, cope with anxiety and supporting families who have sadly received a palliative diagnosis.
Through our Family Support Workers, play is also an important way to build relationships with families and children, and of course, to bring moments of fun and normality whenever we can. Whether it’s a fun activity or game, play is woven into the everyday of the support we provide. It helps our Family Support Workers build rapport, create a relaxed and welcoming environment, and give families the opportunity to spend quality time together.
It might seem like something small, but it can have a big impact.
Thank you to everyone who makes what we do possible. Thanks to our incredible community of supporters, we’re able to bring light and hope to families affected by childhood cancer every day.
