No joke: STV charity cash for Edinburgh Clowndoctors

EDINBURGH CLOWNDOCTORS CHARITY AWARDED £12,720 FROM SCOTTISH CHILDREN’S LOTTERY

Edinburgh based charity Hearts & Minds has been awarded a £12,720 grant from the Scottish Children’s Lottery. The funding will support the charity’s specialist arts-in-health programme, Clowndoctors, which operates in hospitals, hospices and schools for children with additional complex support needs across Scotland.

The Clowndoctors use therapeutic clowning to make a genuine connection with children and young people living with challenging health conditions who feel isolated, powerless or anxious and who have lost their place in the carefree, playful world that every child should have the right to enjoy. Spending time with the Clowndoctors relieves stress or anxiety, as well as giving parents moments of relaxation and supporting the work of the healthcare and teaching staff.

Pip Quinn, Fundraising Officer for Hearts & Minds said: “Hearts & Minds Clowndoctors are so grateful to Scottish Children’s Lottery for their support.  The grant will be used to improve the lives of children and young people who are having a really tough time due to illness or disability.  Our Clowndoctors will deliver smiles to provide relief from pain and give families a chance to connect and laugh!”

The Scottish Children’s Lottery was launched in October 2016 to raise money for children in Scotland, with proceeds helping to improve the lives of children right across the country and make a real difference to those who need it most.

Kirsteen Campbell is trustee of Chance to Connect which operates as a society lottery under the Scottish Children’s Lottery. Chance to Connect supports projects working in the areas of community development and citizenship, giving young people across Scotland the chance to live in a safe, supportive and stimulating community.

Kirsteen Campbell said: “I am delighted that we are able to provide funding for Hearts & Minds’ Clowndoctors from the monies generated from the Scottish Children’s Lottery which was established in order to promote and support the development and potential of children and young people in Scotland.  Thank you to those who play the Scottish Children’s Lottery; you are helping to support the great work that our charities undertake.”

Charities that support children in Scotland can apply online for Scottish Children’s Lottery funding.

Picture shows L-R: Charlotte Allan (Dr Hoot), Fundraising Officer, Pip Quinn and Rachel Colles (Dr Mousse).