“It’s lovely hosting an event of this nature at a place where families clearly feel a connection and sense of belonging.” – Ray Travasso, Music Therapist at EACH
DanceEast launched a new movement sensory trail at East Anglia’s Children’s Hospice’s (EACH) annual Treefest party in June. The popular summer party, held at the Treehouse, brought families together for a fun-packed day of live music, dancing, arts and crafts, face painting, a barbecue and hook-a-duck.
It took place amid a relaxed, festival-style atmosphere and was for children and families receiving care and support. Over the course of the day, there were about 100 families who took part in the day.
The movement sensory trail was co-produced with EACH and was inspired by Lauren Soloy’s book, The Hidden World of Gnomes. Families used guided movement prompts to explore the hospice’s beautiful grounds, visiting a dozen different stations along the way.
DanceEast commissioned Dance Artist Lynnette King to create the movement sensory trail. Lynnette delivered workshops throughout the day, guiding the children and families to explore the movement sensory trails for the first time. She was joined by two Assistant Dance Artists, along with two dancers from Involve Dance Company, for learning disabled adults.
Chrissie Meikle, Producer at DanceEast said: “Seeing the joy on the faces of those who participated in the movement sensory trail was just magical. It was important for DanceEast to co-produce a movement trail that families can do independently when visiting the TreeHouse for appointments or respite beyond the event. We’re really proud of our long-standing partnership with EACH and I’m really pleased to see this idea come to life.”
Music Therapist Ray Travasso compered the day and helped organise proceedings along with Play Specialist Hailey Allen.
He said: “It was lovely to see the connection between the dancers and children. The trail was amazing and so unique and creative. There can’t be many like it and its legacy will go on, because we can use it again and again.
The whole day was brilliant and there were some powerful moments.”
Families were able to spread out in the woodland, playground and patio areas and there were lots of craft activities to enjoy including the opportunity to make bug boxes with volunteers from Ipswich Wildlife Group.
Hailey said: “It was great to witness so many smiles and such fun and laughter. Families enjoyed some quality time together and most stayed from the start to the end, creating so many magical memories. The weather was perfect – cool and comfortable – and there was such a range of things for people to do, depending on their needs and interests.
We are so grateful to our colleagues and the amazing volunteers who pulled together and gave their time to make an event on this scale possible. It’s a showpiece day on our calendar and a great way for families to engage and connect together.”
ABOUT EACH HOSPICE
“EACH is a place I’d recommend to any parents in our situation. Not just for the care delivered, but because it’s somewhere children play and have fun, where their medical needs are a priority but the children feel that living life is an equal priority.”
EACH rely on voluntary donations for the majority of their income, so they can continue to provide supportive care for babies, children, young people and their families. This care is provided in one of their hospice’s, in the family home, in hospital or in the wider community. Their range of services is comprehensive, for both bereaved and non-bereaved families, and includes expert nursing care and short breaks, symptom management nursing, family activities and events, physical therapies, wellbeing, care at end of life, bereavement supports, and practical help in the family home.
For more information about EACH, including forthcoming events and how you can help raise funds, visit www.each.org.uk or call 01223 800 800.
