Theodora Children's Trust
Theodora Children's Trust is a British charity which helps children recover from operations and illness. Founded in 1994.[1]
Objectives
The objectives of the Trust are to train and then to fund clown doctors to work in collaboration with hospital staff in order to bring fun and laughter to children in hospital.[2]
Activities
The hospitals involved in the programme receive weekly visits from "clown doctors". The clown doctors use their skills to involve each patient as much as possible, ensuring that the child is not only a spectator but can participate in the magic and the activities. The clown doctors also involve the families and the medical staff in these sessions.[3]
History
In April 1994, the Swiss Fondation Théodora[4] introduced two clown doctors to Gt Ormond Street Hospital. By 1995 they had worked with 4,000 children and in 1996, the clown doctors went to Guy's & St Thomas' Hospitals. This programme was the first of its kind to be introduced to the UK, and is still the only such programme operating in England and Wales.
Awards
- Guardian Charity Awards 2003[5]
References
- ^ Jane Elliott (30 August, 2003). Laughter medicine from clown doctor. BBC News Online. Retrieved on 2007-05-22.
- ^ The Theodora Children's Trust. GuideStar UK — Database of UKcharities. Retrieved on 2007-05-22.
- ^ Laughter eases hospital pain. BBC News Online (21 February, 2002). Retrieved on 2007-05-22.
- ^ (French) "Se marrer, c'est bon pour la santé", Le Temps, 27 November, 2003
- ^ Tash Shifrin (October 3, 2003). Guardian awards honour outstanding charities. Guardian Unlimited. Retrieved on 2007-05-22.
External links
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