Healing Through PLAY
In a world of imagination, children are the most powerful creators. Suddenly a cardboard box is a magical vehicle for extraordinary adventures; a makeshift tent of blankets and chairs becomes a cave with a sleeping bear inside. For many of the little patients at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, all they dream of is being healthy and happy again, to be with their families and to play with their friends. Medical professionals who perform life-saving interventions on patients recognise the need for Therapeutic Play as it plays a crucial role in the journey of healing and rehabilitating patients back into their normal lives.
The Children’s Hospital Trust has embarked on a R17.5milllion project to develop safe and stimulating new multi-purpose Therapeutic Play areas at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital (RCWMCH). These play areas will cater for children of all ages and abilities, including outpatients, their caregivers and other family members (siblings etc. who wait with caregivers), as well as inpatients who are well enough to leave the ward supervised.
100% of your donations during this festive season will go toward building a magical and interactive Therapeutic Playground which will provide each child with an imaginary escape from the reality of their traumatic associations and experiences. Through therapeutic play, children can learn how to socialise, increase their mobility, and reduce anxiety. Most especially so for the little ones who have experienced trauma, play is a way to rebuild trust and confidence. Play also reduces anxiety, improves motor skills and aids in the neurological, cognitive and overall, holistic development of children.
Dr Dirk, Head of Trauma dreams of a new Therapeutic Playground
