Clown Doctor Project
ensuring vital therapeutic play is received each week by children experiencing distress and anxiety during their treatment and stay in hospital. This currently runs in The Great North Children’s Hospital.
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Making Serious Stuff Fun - We focus on improving the health and well-being of children and young people in the North East. So, how do we make a difference to people's lives and how can we help you? For 30 years we have worked with amazing people in the North East to achieve great things.
How we address need:
We want all North East children and young people to be happy and healthy. We want them to feel loved, respected, feel they have a voice and are heard. We achieve this in two ways;
Within Child Health Establishments through our;
ensuring vital therapeutic play is received each week by children experiencing distress and anxiety during their treatment and stay in hospital. This currently runs in The Great North Children’s Hospital.
working with the Nurses and Play staff to put together and deliver bespoke packs for children who find themselves staying long term in the Great North Children’s Hospital.
we fund a story chair and book trolley at The Great North Children’s Hospital in Children’s Outpatients so parent/carers/family can read to their child/children while they wait for appointments to help ease worry, anxiety and spend some quality time together
Within communities through our;
Therapeutic Horticulture, establishing accredited gardening projects (City & Guilds Level 1 Practical Horticulture) in secondary schools so support and tuition can be given to disadvantaged young people, those struggling within the classroom environment, those with behavioural issues or those on reduced school timetables or on the verges of exclusion.
Mental health workshops in primary schools using fuzzy puppets as a tool to engage children and young people in the subject of mental health and well-being, increasing awareness, understanding and resilience in young people.
Providing a safe space after school for isolated and marginalised young people to find a voice, grow in confidence and build positive friendships.
Couch to 2k – is our new pilot project improving young people’s fitness, health and well-being. Referrals come via Paediatricians at The Great North Children’s Hospital. Our Youth Workers then support young people to run 3 times per week in Leazes Park Newcastle, building up to a timed 2K at the end of 4 weeks. To encourage participation and remove barriers for young people to get involved, each young person receives an e- voucher to purchase sports clothes, trainers etc. and they also receive a basic fit-bit watch and Children’s Foundation water bottle.
Following on from a successful 2020 summer scheme we now offer a weekly kids surf club suitable for 8-16 year old’s. This is in partnership with South Shields Surf School with an emphasis on fun and fitness in a friendly environment. Instructor lead sessions provide children with an opportunity to try something new, meet new people, engage in a physical activity and learn new skills.