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“Every child has a right to play, and this is a gentle introduction to everything we offer here at The Treehouse” – babies and youngsters enjoy EACH’s first TreeTots session of 2025

Pre-school children got creative during a messy afternoon of paint-filled fun.

The session was for babies and youngsters up to the age of five and organised by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).

EACH runs its TreeTots group every other Monday during term time, for children receiving care at The Treehouse. Young siblings are also welcome.

This year’s opening session was themed around ‘transport and wheels’ and included exploring the senses by touching, smelling and tasting jelly traffic lights.

As well as starting and finishing with ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’ songs, the children enjoyed an hour of sensory play and had a go at ‘car track painting’ – dipping toy cars in paint and then moving them along paper to leave a messy trail.

They also used a switch sensory toy to make the sound of car horns and revving engines.

EACH Play Specialist Hailey Allen, who runs the group with members of the occupational therapy and physical therapies teams, said: “It’s fun and chaotic, with plenty of laughter and joy.

“It’s a safe space, hopefully free from infection and illness that might be hard to avoid in regular playgroup or pre-school settings.

“Every child has a right to play, and this is a gentle introduction to everything we offer here.

“It’s so valuable to new mums, dads and carers who are navigating parenthood, while also adjusting to having a child with complex needs. They’re all on a similar journey.

“It gives them an opportunity to meet other families, and it’s good for the children to be around others with complex needs and health conditions.

“So much of their world is medical, but this is an opportunity for them to experience fun, joy and togetherness.”

The session starts with parents and carers grabbing a cuppa and spending time together, sharing information and experiences.

They also have lunch, providing another opportunity to socialise and relax.

Among those to attend on Monday was Logan Ditcham, who has Down’s syndrome, as well as heart and kidney disease, and will be two in March.

“TreeTots has helped build Logan’s confidence when it comes to being around other people,” said mum Vicki.

“Before, he was very clingy, but now he’s more than happy to go off and interact with others.

“It’s brilliant and he loves messy play, coming home well and truly covered.

“The Treehouse is a fantastic place and it’s had such a positive impact on our lives.

“The team there have been so helpful since day one, and they’re like a second family.”

The next TreeTots session is taking place on 27th January and will be themed around the Chinese New Year. To book a place, head here.

Find our notes to editors here.

Keep in touch:

For further information about this release please contact:

Matt Plummer | Media and PR Manager | 07738 328058 | Matt.Plummer@each.org.uk

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