This campaign will provide vital funding for the Play Service at Leeds Children’s Hospital. With 11,000 inpatients a year, our Play Team helps children cope with medical treatment and creates moments of joy at difficult times. Funds raised will enable more children to access this service.
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Hospital can be frightening place for children; replacing school, friends and play with isolation and anxiety. Children can feel scared and overwhelmed; fear that can lead to long-term trauma. For some children, a hospital stay can stretch into weeks and months, like baby James whose home was a hospital ward for the first 16 months of his life. James’ parents worried they had lost a chance at a “normal” childhood; that he wouldn’t get to experience magic moments or reach development milestones.
The Play Team plays a vital role in helping children navigate their hospital experience; providing comfort, distraction and a sense of normality. Through specialist play and preparation techniques, Play workers help children understand procedures, reducing fear and the risk of long-term trauma. Funding from Leeds Hospitals Charity helps provide a 7-day-a-week service, ensuring children like James can enjoy moments of joy and vital developmental support, even during long hospital stays.
