THE HEALING POWER OF PLAY

Radio Lollipop believes in the healing power of play – providing smiles and laughter to children at a time when they need it most.

One in four children are admitted to a hospital before reaching age 14.

Though some patients are short-stay, many have a recurring need for care and return repeatedly to hospital. Some who are terminally ill spend much of their short lives in hospital.

Radio Lollipop gives young patients a voice and a choice during their stay. While they can´t say “no” to taking their medicine or receiving treatment, they can request their favourite songs, win prizes and hear their own voices on the radio. Those activities give youngsters a haven of normality in the hospital day which in other respects is strange, different and often scary.

Radio Lollipop is not a frilly add-on. It is really helpful clinically - a calm child recovers better …every member of staff and parent and child think it is fantastic…"

Madeline Ismach, 2007

Head of Psychosocial Services, Great
Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London