Hearts & Minds have welcomed to Edinburgh delegates to the General Assembly of the European Federation of Healthcare Clowning Organisations. The General Assembly was held at The Scottish Storytelling Centre in the heart of the historic city from 2 – 4 October.
The General Assembly is an annual meeting for Artistic Directors and Chief Executives and General Managers from the 20 healthcare clowning organisations across Europe.
The Assembly took place over three days and included presentations by member organisations, artistic workshops and discussion groups where efhco members shared what is happening within their own countries and discuss impacts and outcomes of healthcare clowning.
Healthcare clowning is not unique to Scotland. It is an internationally recognised performing arts in health practice. Healthcare clowns always bring great joy and laughter, and the health benefits they bring are significant too. Research shows that the person-centred emotional engagement they offer each person they visit lessens loneliness and isolation, relieves distress and worry, and supports healthcare staff and families too.
Sean Donnelly, CEO, of host organization Hearts & Minds commented:“I am thrilled to have welcomed our colleagues from healthcare clown organisations across Europe to Edinburgh for this annual assembly.
“It is a fantastic opportunity for us to discuss and compare our work and the challenges we face and support each other with new ideas and shared research.
“We are also delighted that while in Edinburgh we will introduce them to the history of Edinburgh’s Old Town and there will be a ceilidh where a few whiskies will be enjoyed”
Hearts & Minds welcome Scots comedian Chris Forbes as their new Ambassador for the Clowndoctorsas they celebrate 25 years
Hearts & Minds is pleased to welcome top Scots comedian Chris Forbes as their new Ambassador for the Clowndoctors as they celebrate 25 years of delivering Clowndoctor visits.
Chris is an award-winning actor, writer, and comedian. Star of BBC’s Scot Squad and one of the most in demand comics in the UK, he is a regular panellist on Breaking the News and has achieved widespread popularity as The Other Murray Brother alongside Judy Murray.
Last year at the Pride of Scotland Awards, Chris, along with Janey Godley, presented the Clowndoctors with the TSB Community Award in recognition of the work they do in helping young people overcome difficulties and to face challenges with a smile,
Chris Forbes said: “In my time as a volunteer for the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, I saw first-hand how much joy and happiness the Clowndoctors brought to children and families in their darkest moments.
“It’s such a precious gift and therefore I am so proud to be an ambassador for the Hearts & Minds charity.”
Sean Donnelly, CEO, Hearts & Minds commented:“I’m absolutely thrilled that Chris has agreed to join Hearts & Minds as our ambassador.
“Chris’s involvement will be a huge boost to our efforts as we deliver more Clowndoctor visits to offer support, playfulness and emotional support for children, young people, and families across Scotland.
“In 2024 Hearts & Minds celebrate a remarkable 25 years of the Clowndoctors. We are delighted to have Chris join us in this momentous year. We look forward to working together spreading light, laughter and joy when it is needed most.”
The Clowndoctors started delivering their visits to children at Edinburgh Sick Kids Hospital (now the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People) in 1999 and then to children in Yorkhill Hospital, Glasgow.
The Clowndoctors are all professional performing artists and have trained in the art of clowning and use their skills to develop therapeutic clowning visits to help ease anxiety and stress of being in hospital.
The Clowndoctors still visit both hospitals in their new locations, and it was at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow that Chris Forbes saw the Clowndoctors work their magic.
Chris joins author and motivational speaker Gavin Oattes as an ambassador for the Clowndoctors and Phyllis Logan, ambassador for the Elderflowers, the charity’s dementia programme.
Thanks to the Royal Hospital for Children & Young People, Edinburgh for use of the POD for our photographs with Chris Forbes and the Clowndoctors.
An Edinburgh children’s hospital has become one of the first in Scotland to use a virtual reality headset to help children prepare for surgery.Patients at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP) will now be able to prepare for surgery through an immersive virtual reality (VR) experience.
Thanks to funding from the Hearts & Minds charity, the home of the Clowndoctors, and NHS Lothian charity, the RHCYP will launch its first VR film alongside five headsets this week as part of an innovative pilot.
A number of patients and staff members were involved in the development of the VR pilot including Isla Burns, 14, who advised on the script with Hearts & Minds and recorded the introduction.
The schoolgirl takes centre stage in the project after undergoing ten operations and surgical procedures since she was two-years-old and is keen to reassure and help other children and young people.
Isla from Edinburgh had surgery at the RHCYP to lengthen her left leg which had developed to be 8cm shorter than her right. She underwent an initial 8-hour surgery where her leg was broken and then encased in a brace which screwed 26 metal pins into her leg.
Every day, her mum Annabelle had to turn the pins to move Isla’s bones further apart, encouraging a ‘ghost bone’ to grow in between.
Isla said:“When I was a little younger and virtual reality wasn’t used in hospitals yet, it was hard to visualise what would happen before my operations by chatting it through.
“This virtual reality film will help young people by allowing them to see what the wards look like and get an idea of how the whole process works. It is a great visual tool that will help so many kids prepare for their operations and feel less anxious about what is to come.”
After the operation, Isla’s leg grew 7cm in just seven weeks. She has since had had a further 9 surgeries and spent a full year learning to walk again under the guidance of physiotherapists at the RHCYP.
Under Isla’s guidance, the VR film features the Clowndoctors who are about to undergo surgery at the RHCYP. Alongside the help of NHS Lothian staff, the Clowndoctors showcase a virtual walk through of the pre-operation journey; from the surgical ward, into the anaesthetic room and then into theatre.
Isla used her own experiences to help the Clowndoctors outline every step of the process and put the minds of younger patients at ease.
The film, which was produced by filmmakers Neon8 who initiated the project with Hearts & Minds, uses cutting-edge technology which enables patients to have a gentle immersive viewing experience while remaining seated or reclined.
The VR pilot is being rolled out within the hospital and will be managed by Play Specialists who generally prepare children for surgery.
Allister Short, Director of Women’s and Children’s Services at NHS Lothian, said:“I would like to especially thank Isla and her family alongside our staff and charity partners who helped to craft this extraordinary VR film.
“When a child is about to have surgery, it is often an emotionally unsettling time for the entire family. It’s hoped that the VR headsets will help to alleviate patient’s anxieties before a procedure takes place.
“I look forward to seeing the positive impact this ground-breaking technology will have on patients and staff.”
Rachel Colles, Co-Artistic Lead, Hearts & Minds, said: “I first tried a VR headset when running a research project for children exploring virtual reality theatre with Neon8. It was fantastic to see the children’s responses and excitement with this medium and it occurred to us that we could use this in our work as Clowndoctors.
“This collaboration with NHS Lothian alongside our fabulous Clowndoctor colleagues has allowed us to create what I hope will be a beneficial and enjoyable way to support children preparing for surgery at the RHCYP.”
Jane Greenacre, Head of Programmes, NHS Lothian Charity, said:“We are delighted to have funded five VR headsets which aim to reduce children’s worries before they undergo surgery.
“The VR headsets will enable children and their parents to complete a virtual walk through of what will happen at each step of their pre-operation journey.
“This is a great example of how NHS Lothian Charity works with NHS Lothian colleagues and third sector partners to support ideas that improve the experience of patients and their families across the Lothians.”
Gepco Van Bokhorst is a vet in the Netherlands, but he is also an Ambassador for CliniClowns, a European Clowndoctor organisation. His role as an ambassador is to support clowning organisations across Europe by taking part in fundraising events to raise money and spread the word about the fantastic work of Clowndoctors.
Hearts & Minds were delighted when Gepco contacted them to say he and his wife Angelique had signed up to do The Big Stroll at the legendary Edinburgh Kiltwalk on 18 September to raise money for their Clowndoctors. They are hoping to raise £2500 and this will be boosted by 50% by the generosity of Sir Tom Hunter.
Gepco explains why they wanted to come and support the Edinburgh charity:
“My role with the CliniClowns in the Netherlands: I am one of the ambassadors. These are volunteers who go into the country to receive cheques, supervise, and start sponsor activities and give presentations.
“The policy is that (paid) clowns should be with the children or people with dementia. So, most of the money can be destined for the clowns working in the field. I have felt involved in the founding of the CliniClowns organization and have seen it grow to its current size with 40 people working in the office and more then 100 clowns employed.
“I have also been closely involved with the CliniClowns Circus for 6 years. This circus was meant for families with a multiple disabled child. So, the whole family had a fun event. This was a very special and valuable time for me to experience the impact of Medical Clowning up close. I have seen miracles happen. (See the photo a friend took with me and a girl who does not respond to people and could hardly move her arms according to her caretakers). Every time it gives me goosebumps and I realize how important medical clowning is.
“In 2017 after giving a presentation for the European Federation of Healthcare Clowning Organisations (EFHCO) I heard about Hearts & Minds and immediately adopted Dr. Wallop. Your charity is a bit smaller and reminded me of the earlier days of the CliniClowns.
“Scotland: I have been visiting the Highlands since my last year in university. I have also spent holidays in Scotland with my family and children. It feels like coming home. I received once a Gordon kilt as thanks for saving a dog (I am a vet). The kilt belonged to the lady’s late husband. Once I had worn this kilt, it again felt like coming home. Last year, I had a red kilt (Ramsay) made so that I could marry the love of my life in it: Angelique.
“The Kiltwalk is a challenge we like, not only the walk but also everything that has to do with fundraising (t-shirt, leaflet, video etc.) and the most important reason is you as a small charity can use it very well, especially when Sir Tom Hunter tops it with 50%. And of course, I can wear my wedding kilt again!!”
Sean Donnelly Interim CEO, Hearts & Minds said:“We are so grateful to Gepco and Angelique for coming all the way from the Netherlands to support our Clowndoctors and I am looking forward to joining them on The Big Stroll in my kilt and red nose too!
These funds will go directly to Clowndoctor visits to hospitals and schools and will bring moments of joy and laughter that last long after the Clowndoctors have been.
Grant will support Clowndoctor visits at Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital for Children & Young People
The Clowndoctors will be delivering smiles every week at the Royal Hospital for Children & Young People thanks to support of the People’s Postcode Trust.
The People’s Postcode Trust is a grant-giving charity funded by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Our organisation received £21,605 from the Trust to enable us to deliver weekly Clowndoctor visits at the Royal Hospital for Children & Young People, Edinburgh (formerly The Sick Kids)
Hearts & Minds believe that meaningful human connection is vital for wellbeing, and that this is especially important when we are at our most vulnerable. Through the art of therapeutic clowning Hearts & Minds Clowndoctors connect with children and their families who might be facing anxiety, stress, and feelings of isolation while the child is receiving treatment in hospital.
Recently the Clowndoctors were able to visit Robbie at the RHCYP, where he has been for some weeks. Robbie knows the Clowndoctors well from seeing them at the Royal Blind School, Edinburgh and he calls them his friends.
The Clowndoctors were delighted to visit him in hospital and play his favourite game of “BOO!’ Dr Mousse also recorded a special message for Robbie which he has saved on his phone so he can listen to as often as he likes.
Richard Dalgleish, Robbie’s dad, said: “We wanted to say a big thank you to Dr Mousse and Dr Cous Cous for taking the time to say hello to Robbie when we met the Clowndoctors at the Royal, Edinburgh a few weeks back.
“Even though Robbie is far from well, it was lovely for Robbie to hear from people he knows well from the Sick Kids and from visits to the Royal Blind School.
“Robbie has been in hospital now for 6 weeks and has had 3 operations. The Clowndoctors have visited him regularly and their visits have given him a much-needed boost. Thank you for all the work that you do.”
Rachel Colles, Joint Artistic lead at Hearts & Minds, commented: “It has been a privilege to visit Robbie over many years. We started visiting him when he was a pupil at the Royal Blind School in Edinburgh.
“We built up a great relationship playing with Robbie’s love of slapstick, surprises and words. Robbie loves to send the Clowndoctors flying around and surprising them with a big boo. We felt we had a strong and special connection.
“When Robbie left school, we did not see him anymore, so it was a real pleasure to bump into him and his parents at the hospital and were very happy to arrange a couple of visits on his adult ward. It was great to get the opportunity to visit him in this new setting and be welcomed by the staff on the ward where our visits were seen as a bit of colour and change in their day.
“As Clowndoctors these long-term relationships are very valuable to us and makes me personally very happy when we see children and young people who we know so well and be a positive part of their experience of health care settings.”
Sean Donnelly, Interim CEO, Hearts & Minds said: “We are delighted to receive this funding from People’s Postcode Trust to allow us to continue with much needed weekly Clowndoctor visits to the young people at the hospital in Edinburgh.
“These visits will deliver much needed laughter, fun and imagination to children who face anxiety while undergoing treatment for their illness.”
Please click the links for more information on People’s Postcode Trust www.postcodetrust.org.uk and People’s Postcode Lottery www.postcodelottery.co.uk
The Clowndoctors are back in Fife supporting families of local charity Nourish Support Centre thanks to funding from ExxonMobil
Hearts & Minds and Nourish Support Centre are pleased to announce they are working together again to support Fife families thanks to help towards funding from ExxonMobil at Mossmorran.
In June ExxonMobil workers selected Hearts & Minds as one of their charities to support in 2021 due to their ambition to support families facing adversity by bringing them joy, laughter and creative engagement through the Clowndoctors Programme.
In Summer 2020 during the first lockdown the Clowndoctors delivered virtual visits to Nourish families direct to their homes. Hearts and Minds wanted to develop their work further with Fife charity Nourish and help support their families with monthly Clowndoctor sessions. The generous funding from ExxonMobil workers of £5000 will help part fund these much-needed visits over the next twelve months.
Nourish and Hearts & Minds are a perfect partnership sharing the same ideals and values with empathy and kindness at the heart of everything they do.
Both organisations believe that meaningful human connection is vital for wellbeing, and that this is especially important when we are at our most vulnerable. Through the art of therapeutic clowning Hearts & Minds Clowndoctors connect to people’s humanity and transform experiences of adversity and create a safe space for families so they can relax and unwind and enjoy time together.
“Clowndoctors were amazing, Kacy giggled so much all the way through. It’s such a great experience and they do a fab job. We can’t thank Hearts & Minds, the clowndoctors and Nourish enough for the experience for Kacy, she just loves them.” – Parent
Nourish Support Centre was founded in 2011 by five parents who felt there was a lack of support for families who had children with additional support needs in the Kirkcaldy area. A lot of the children and families that access Nourish have met the Clowndoctors before at hospital or at respite care at hospices and are excited to see them again but this time with their siblings and families.
Louise Russell from ExxonMobil commented: “We were delighted that safe working practices during our recent plant improvement project enabled us to raise this money for Hearts & Minds, which was nominated by one of our workers.
“These visits will help bring happiness to many local youngsters and their families at a time when it is much needed.”
Rebecca Simpson, CEO, Hearts & Minds said: “We are delighted to be able to support Nourish and their families with a brand-new programme of monthly visits kindly funded by Exxon Mobil.
“These visits will deliver much needed laughter, creativity and imagination to children who are vulnerable especially in current times.”
Lynne Scott of Nourish said: “The smiles and laughter that the Clowndoctors bring to the children who use our services is just amazing, and its not just the young people who benefit, the whole family gain some quality time together having some fun time away from the day to day challenges they face.“
Hearts & Minds, the award-winning Edinburgh charity, is delighted to have been selected by leading Fife companies Raeburn Construction & Raeburn Training as their Charity of the Year for 2021.
Over the next year the two companies, owned by Scott and Sarah Raeburn, are planning to undertake a number of live and virtual fundraising events involving the staff and their families to support the work of Hearts & Minds and the Clowndoctors & Elderflowers.
Their first breath-taking challenge is going to be an adrenalin packed 40m bungee jump off a bridge in Killiecrankie, Perthshire!
Raeburn Construction has been operating since May 2006, is based in Kirkcaldy and operates mainly in Edinburgh and Fife providing a groundwork civil engineering service to main contractors besides working with housebuilders and developers fulfilling full build projects.
Raeburn Training was launched in August 2019, it is also based in Kirkcaldy and provides Health and Safety training across all industry types and also specialises in construction safety training. Clients include companies, candidates and the employability sectors, assisting candidates gain essential skills to gain employment, a very rewarding part of our business.
Both companies are operated with a family feel and aim to provide a good place for employees to work and be part of a growing successful company. This is why the work of the charity felt like the perfect fit to work together over the next year.
The Clowndoctors and Elderflowers use the art of therapeutic clowning to bring magic, joy and laughter into the everyday lives of children facing long-term medical conditions and people living with dementia developing meaningful human connections in times of adversity.
They currently deliver all visits virtually into homes, classrooms and care homes across Scotland.
Scott and Sarah Raeburn, Directors said:“We have heard a lot about Hearts & Minds and appreciate the challenges of continuing charity work at this time. Both Sarah and I have a friend whose daughter has experienced first hand the joy of a visit from the clowns whilst at the Sick Kids Hospital, Edinburgh and she spoke very highly of the difference it made to her daughter’s day.
“The simplicity of making someone smile or laugh everyday was inspiring.”
Rebecca Simpson, CEO Hearts & Minds commented: “Hearts & Minds is absolutely delighted to be chosen by Raeburn Construction and Raeburn Training, it is a tough time for charities and even more so for the people we connect with in hospitals, hospices, and care homes.
“This support is invaluable and will help us reach more people through our Clowndoctor and Elderflower programmes. We look forward to developing our relationship with the Raeburn team and we are excited about working with them on their fundraising campaigns.”
Hearts & Minds, award-winning charity and home of the Clowndoctors, is pleased to announce an exciting and fun new programme for special educational needs schools across Scotland.
Clowning Around is an art and play programme specifically designed for children with special educational support needs. Using the art of therapeutic clowning professionally trained artists engage children in play, music, dance, song, puppetry, games and storytelling. The Clowndoctors use improvisational skills and expertise in non-verbal communication and play to create tailored programmes to suit individual needs.
• Clowndoctor on Call: bespoke live interactive sessions delivered virtually by the Clowndoctors to individuals or a small group. • Clowndoctor Personalised Videos: Videos created for individuals or small groups. Tailored to suit the needs and interests of the children/young people.
• Clowndoctor in the Classroom: live visits in the classroom with the Clowndoctors. These will return when restrictions allow. • Laughing Around: Laughter Yoga workshop for staff. This fun practical workshop is designed to relieve stress, lighten the mood, and form positive connections.
Clowndoctor on Call virtual visits were developed in response to COVID 19 as face to face visits in the classroom had to stop and Hearts & Minds were determined to keep the connection with pupils & bring moments of joy and laughter into the classroom.
The virtual visits have begun at Fairview School, Perth where they have been a huge success with staff and pupils.
Leigh Verdot, Head Teacher of Fairview School said: “We are thrilled to still get our weekly fix with the Clowndoctors. It is great to see the smiles and enjoyment from our pupils when they are engaging with the Clowndoctors on the ipads!
“Things are so different with COVID restrictions, so our weekly visits are one of the best parts of the week now. All our staff are learning from the Clowndoctors too. We couldn’t ask for a better start to the week!”
Rebecca Simpson, CEO of Hearts & Minds commented: “I am delighted to finally launch at our new school programme- Clowning Around. With 21 years’ experience of delivering our Clowndoctor programme it is exciting to be developing this work for schools across Scotland.
“The feedback we have received already has been overwhelmingly positive regarding the impact on the children. The programme is full of fun, laughter and creativity and will bring smiles to classrooms.”
The programme is open to all schools in Scotland who have pupils with complex learning needs and the programme can be tailored to suit the individual or a class. The team at Hearts & Minds will liaise with staff to provide a bespoke series of sessions.
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.Continue reading No joke: STV charity cash for Edinburgh Clowndoctors
