As part of Playforce’s ‘Nature Month’, the company selected children’s hospices across the UK to receive brand new ‘natural world’ play equipment, free of charge.
The hospices were nominated by national charity, Together for Short Lives, following their 2018 Children’s Hospice Week. Together for Short Lives is the UK charity for seriously ill children living with life-limiting or terminal conditions that cannot be cured.
Myra Johnson, Director of Communications & Engagement at Together for Short Lives said: “We are here to support and empower children and their families - and to build a strong and sustainable children’s palliative care system - so that no family is left to cope alone. Together with the UK’s 54 children’s hospices, we provide a lifeline to families, whenever and wherever they need it.
“Children’s Hospice Week is our biggest appeal and this year we asked our children and families to share their favourite things to do - playing outside was one of their top five moments. Playforce’s donations are a lovely way of supporting this and the UK’s children’s hospices”.
Emily Northin, Director of Marketing at Playforce, said: “We work with a number of children’s hospices and have long admired Together for Short Lives for the difference it makes in encouraging support for them.
“At Playforce we’re passionate about helping children to enjoy the outdoors and nature. We saw our recent Nature Month as an opportunity to help more children - and those closest to them - to do this, at a time when they need it most.”
WEST MIDLANDS & WALES:
Ty Hafan offers care to children and support for their families, throughout Wales. Installed in Ty Hafan’s outdoor play area, their brand new mini-beast habitat is designed to help children learn about the outdoor environment, through the exploration of creepy crawlies and other mini-beasts. A hedgehog house is also included.
Lynne Phelps, Play and Therapies Lead at Ty Hafan said: “We’re delighted to have been selected to represent Wales in receiving this Nature Month gift from Playforce. Our mini-beast habitat has arrived and it has been put up in our gardens. The children have already started looking for bugs and creepy crawlies!”
NORTH WEST:
Derian House provides palliative, specialist respite and end of life care for children and young adults throughout the North West region. Installed in Derian House outdoor play area, their brand new Mud Kitchen is designed to help children learn about the outdoor environment, as well as enjoying being outside, exploring mud and water through play. Playforce’s award-winning Mud Kitchen is made from recycled timber and includes a sink and hob.
Caroline Taylor, Communications and Marketing Manager at Derian House said: “We’re delighted to have been selected to represent the North West in receiving this Nature Month gift from Playforce. Our Mud Kitchen has arrived and it has been put up in our gardens. The children have already started playing with it and absolutely love it!”
NORTH EAST:
The Donna Louise supports children, young people and every member of the family, every step of the way - from initial diagnosis until they are no longer needed. Installed in The Donna Louise’s outdoor play area, their brand new mini-beast habitat is designed to help children learn about the outdoor environment, through the exploration of creepy crawlies and other mini-beasts. A hedgehog house is also included.
Nikki Culverwell, Play Leader at The Donna Louise Children's and Young People's Hospice said: “At The Donna Louise we work hard to deliver more than most people think we can - whether that’s belly laughs and best friends, light in the darkest hour, glitter, sparkle, Xbox and drums, or real understanding. Outdoor time and play is an important part of this.
“We’re delighted to have been selected to represent our region in receiving this Nature Month gift from Playforce. Our mini-beast habitat has arrived and the children have already started looking for bugs and creepy crawlies!”
SOUTH:
Little Havens Children’s Hospice provides care for children who are life-limited, are life-threatened or have palliative care needs. What this means is that the child has been diagnosed with a condition, meaning that their life may be shortened. Installed in Little Havens’ outdoor play area, their brand new fun grow seating planter is designed to help children and families sit together and learn about the natural world through growing their own plants.