Childhood should be a time of joy and exploration, but for children facing serious illnesses, it is often overshadowed by hospital stays, medical treatments, and overwhelming challenges. These children are three times more likely to struggle with mental health issues, grappling with anxiety, depression, and trauma caused by the realities of their conditions.
We believe every child deserves the chance to smile, feel empowered, and create positive memories, even in the most difficult circumstances. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce an innovative collaboration with Synergy Dance Outreach to bring a year-long programme of dance and yoga to children at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) and Evelina London Children’s Hospital, launching in Summer 2025.
Transforming Lives Through Movement
We need to raise £70,000 so that we can deliver inclusive and tailored sessions designed to bring joy and healing to children with complex medical needs. These sessions will include:
- Dance, yoga, music, and relaxation techniques: Adapted to each child’s medical needs and abilities.
- On-demand video access: Allowing children to participate from home or when they can’t attend sessions.
Expert guidance: Led by practitioners experienced in working with children with serious illnesses and special educational needs.
Reaching the Most Vulnerable
The impact of this programme will extend to children who usually are not able to access any enrichment activities in hospital, including:
- Intensive and high dependency care units at Evelina London, providing enrichment in areas where children typically receive little to no access to similar activities.
- Cancer, rheumatology, and mental health wards at GOSH, offering support to children facing long-term challenges.
- Children with Epidermolysis Bullosa, a rare and painful condition causing fragile skin and tissues.
This project breaks new ground, bringing light and joy into some of the most high-intensity care settings in the UK.
The Science Behind the Programme
Dance and yoga have proven benefits for both mental and physical health, including:
- Releasing endorphins to boost mood and reduce stress.
- Building confidence, resilience, and strength.
- Offering children a sense of normality, joy, and hope during their hospital stays.
Through this project, we aim to dramatically improve the wellbeing of these children, ensuring they have the tools to face their challenges and thrive beyond their hospital experiences.
Join Us in Making a Difference
We need your support to make this life-changing programme a reality. Help us raise £70,000 so that we can bring joy, healing, and resilience to children during some of the most difficult times of their lives. Together, we can ensure these children experience moments of happiness and hope when they need it most.
Donate Now to support this transformative project.
Let’s bring light, movement, and joy to children who deserve it the most. Thank you for standing with us!
