The Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care children’s play team recently welcomed child patients and siblings to a special summer holiday play session at the charity’s Grove House site.
The children, ranging in age from one to 11, were invited to take part in a music and movement session with Hartbeeps, followed by a craft session and time exploring the site’s beautiful gardens.
The Hartbeeps session, hosted by 'imaginator', Carolyn, had an 'under the sea' theme which saw the children’s imaginations sparked by a series of props and toys, such as a blue parachute, puppets and sensory props.
The children also had the opportunity to dress up or don a themed hat.
Adults and children alike joined in with singing a number of well-known songs and the children were able to experience a range of sensory stimuli such as bubbles and lights.
The structured session was followed by a crafting session that followed the same marine theme.
Children worked with the Rennie Grove Peace children’s play team to create a photo frame to display a picture taken during the Hartbeeps session.
Families were then invited to join the team in the beautiful surroundings of the Grove House garden to look for 'fairy doors' that have been created on site by the charity’s facilities volunteers, before spending some time sitting in the shade.
Karen Raney-Marr, play specialist at Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care, explained: "During the school holidays it’s lovely to be able to invite our young patients and their families in for group sessions.
"We see children throughout the year for one-to-one play sessions, either at home or here at Grove House, but this is a lovely chance for children and their siblings to get together and play with other children who may have experienced similar things."
One parent who attended the session commented: "Jack loves attending the music groups.
"Although Jack is severely sight impaired the fact the sessions are sensory based makes them inclusive and lots of fun!"
To find out more about the services offered by Rennie Grove Peace’s children’s team, visit: https://renniegrovepeace.org/our-care-and-support/our-care-for-children/children-with-life-limiting-conditions/
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