Youngsters came together for a special sibling day packed with creativity, relaxation and four-legged friendship.
The half-term treat was for those who are either bereaved or have a brother or sister receiving care from East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) at The Nook.
Eleven primary school-age children attended the event, designed to give them the opportunity to connect with others who understand their experiences, enjoy dedicated time just for themselves and access tailored emotional support.
For a few of the children, it was their first time attending a sibling day.
After enjoying a colouring activity and taking part in a ‘getting to know each other’ exercise, the youngsters had an eagerly-anticipated visit from Pets as Therapy (PAT) dog Ellie, who was brought along by owner Jenny Hutchinson.
Next on the agenda was a pizza-making workshop, where the children decorated premade bases with their favourite choice of toppings to enjoy at lunchtime. They also decorated heart-shaped biscuits for dessert.
While their pizzas were cooking and the icing setting, the group took part in a gentle yoga session with a representative from nearby SunFyr Barns.
It was tailored especially for children and focused on relaxation techniques, breathing exercises and simple stretches, allowing the siblings to unwind and reflect after a busy morning.
Following lunch, the youngsters enjoyed a session with Clown Doctor Lucy Enskat.
The day finished with parents and carers coming along for tea and cake with the children, giving them an opportunity to find out more about their fun day together.
“We had a lovely, fun-filled day together,” said EACH Groups and Events Coordinator Clare Oakley, who ran the session with Play Specialist Heidi Foster and Care Assistant Karina Shearing.
“Sibling days are an important part of the support we provide, recognising that the children who attend have unique emotional needs, whether being a sibling of a child with complex needs or bereaved.
“These dedicated events provide a safe space where they can share their feelings, build relationships and simply have fun. It was wonderful to see new faces joining us and forming friendships so quickly.”
Lucy, from the Clown Round/Over the Moon Project, said it was a delight to continue the close relationship with EACH.
“We’re so proud to contribute our therapeutic clowning work as part of the wider circle of support EACH offers,” she said.
“It was a joy to fill the space with laughter, imagination and gloriously silly drama games for such a brilliant mix of children and young people.
“We truly value EACH’s holistic, whole-family approach to care – it recognises that siblings need space for play, expression and connection just as much as anyone else.”
