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Support for children and familiies

Therapeutic and specialist play service

Through play, children understand, cope, and feel more like themselves. The therapeutic and specialised play service, which you help fund, supported children to make sense of their hospital experience in a way that’s uniquely appropriate to them.

About the service

Hospital can be unsettling and frightening. Children and young people are away from everything familiar, adjusting to a diagnosis, struggling to communicate their needs, or carrying anxiety from previous medical experiences. The therapeutic and specialised play team uses the therapeutic power of play to help young patients understand what's happening, manage their fears, and maintain a sense of themselves throughout their hospital journey. 

For over 15 years, our donors have made it possible for the charity to support play service delivery across13 key areas of the hospital. They work alongside clinical staff, using play to prepare children for procedures, help them cope during treatment, and create moments of much needed normality while away from home.  

How the service works

The team supports children in five key ways: 

Preparation

Helping children and young people to understand what's going to happen in a way that makes sense for their age and development. By explaining procedures through play, specially adapted toys, and role-play, the play team take away the fear of the unknown and give young patients a sense of what to expect. 

Distraction and coping

During procedures, the play team use distraction techniques and coping strategies, from engaging activities to calming approaches, that help children manage difficult moments and feel more in control of what's happening to their body. 

After procedures

After a difficult or upsetting experience, play specialists help children process what happened, clear up any misunderstandings, and develop better ways to cope next time. 

Developmental play

Focussed play activities help children reach developmental milestones they might miss while in hospital, supporting their growth and progress. 

Everyday play

Simple, everyday play like arts and crafts, games and role play, creates a sense of normality and allows children to relax and be themselves in a medical environment. It's not always therapy; sometimes it's just fun. 

Who it's for

The therapeutic and specialised play service supports all children and young people in hospital, from babies to young people. They work with children facing surgery, undergoing treatment for long-term conditions, managing procedural anxiety, or dealing with the trauma of previous medical experiences. The team also adapt their approach for patients with learning disabilities, developmental differences, or communication needs. 

How to access it

The therapeutic and specialised play service is embedded across the hospital, so support is available to any patient who needs it. Medical staff can refer children to the play team in advance of an admission or procedure, or immediately if an un-planned situations arises.  Families can also speak with their ward team about accessing play support. 

What to expect

Every child is different, so the play team tailors their approach to what your child needs. Play might involve role-play with specially adapted medical toys, arts and crafts, games, storytelling, or simply time for your child to play as they would at home. Sessions are flexible and responsive to your child's mood and energy on the day. 

"During the music therapy sessions, you can see Maeve’s heart rate come down. Even if she's asleep, she can still hear Becca."

Jenna - Parent

Over and above

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Noah's Ark Children's Hospital Charity, Jungle Ward, Upper Ground Floor,
Noah's Ark Children's Hospital for Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XW
Registered Charity No. 1089455.

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