Support the CLOWN DOCTORS
Humour relaxes people, reduces pain and stress, makes people laugh and feel good and generally promotes a positive outlook. All in all it's a good medicine. And it doesn't have the side effects of some more potent drugs.
This is where clown doctors come in. Imagine being in hospital, away from the comfort of your home, and feeling sad, anxious, frightened, lonely or in pain. Clown doctors treat children in hospital with a dose of fun and laughter.
The clown doctors programme was developed by the Humour Foundation in Australia, where 40 clown doctors entertain around 60,000 patients a year.
A similar scheme was set up by the Theodora Foundation all over Europe. In the UK, the Theodora Children's Trust recruits and trains special clowns to work in selected hospitals in England and Wales.
...bring happiness to a hospital
Take Action
If you think you have what it takes to become a Clown Doctor, make enquiries with the Theodora Children's Trust.
Or you could make a donation.
If you know a child who is ill and could do with some cheering up, download the Clown Doctors Activity Book from www.humourfoundation.com.au
Bring a little happiness into an old people's home or a day centre for homeless people, and organise a Christmas entertainment for them.
Find Out More
Theodora Children's Trust: www.theodora.org.uk
Humour Foundation, Australia www.humourfoundation.com.au
Clown doctors receive considerable training in the very special skills needed to divert children's attention during painful procedures, help calm them in emergency, or just brighten up their day. They learn how to develop their mastery of magic, storytelling, acting, mime, balloon sculpture, and juggling, and adapt these skills to each child's needs in widely differing situations.
When working on the wards, clown doctors have to behave with sensitivity, only approaching children when it is clear that they will be welcome, judging how best to involve the children and their carers, and bring them some relief from the distress and pain they may be feeling.
What people think:
The clown doctors have become shooting stars in my life. I can count on them when I need some cheering up. Thank you for your smiles, your jokes, your fun. No words could ever describe what you have done for me! - Brooke
"It was an extremely stressful time, but as if by magic the clown doctors would always arrive on the ward at the right time and brighten everyone's day. The children would perk up, parents would have their minds taken off the awful and often harrowing situations they were finding themselves in, and even the staff would smile!" - a grateful patient
Sign up to our Newsletter:
Email Friends
If you know a child who is ill and could do with some cheering up, download the Clown Doctors Activity Book from www.humourfoundation.com.au
