Theodora Children’s Charity helps children that have serious illnesses, disabilities and life limiting conditions improve their mental health and wellbeing, and build future mental and emotional resilience. Our 22 Giggle Doctors have 2 years of training to bring joy via child led play in hospitals.

Categories

  • Health/Wellbeing Health/​Wellbeing
  • Hospitals/Hospices Hospitals/​Hospices
  • Mental Health Mental Health
  • Beneficiaries

    • Children (3-18) Children (3-18)
    • Infants (<2) Infants (<2)
    • People With Disabilities People With Disabilities

    Reported mental health problems have increased five-fold over the past 20 years and will increase a further 63% by 2030. Approximately 28% of 0–18-year-olds have a long-term condition requiring medical follow up and it is estimated that approximately 6% have a disability. Children might endure many lengthy hospital stays, uncomfortable and painful treatments and the isolation their condition brings. Our Giggle Doctors bring smiles and play to those children, their parents and hospital staff.

    Giggle Doctors have visited children aged 0-18 in our hospital partners across the UK for 29 years, and recently via digital visits. Our Giggle Doctors have 2 years of specialist training to work for Theodora Children’s Charity, and are not volunteers. We are proud that every visit is completely free to parents/guardians, thus ensuring the visit is accessible to all families. The interaction is always child led, whether they want to play with bubbles and props, or have a nice conversation.

    Categories

  • Health/Wellbeing Health/​Wellbeing
  • Hospitals/Hospices Hospitals/​Hospices
  • Mental Health Mental Health
  • Beneficiaries

    • Children (3-18) Children (3-18)
    • Infants (<2) Infants (<2)
    • People With Disabilities People With Disabilities