Families had fun playing with new state-of-the-art technology during a special presentation event at The Nook.
The innovative package, worth around £56,000, has been donated to East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) by the charity Lifelites.
It was delivered and installed during a celebration tea party attended by three families.
Lifelites provides the latest assistive and inclusive technology to children’s hospice and palliative care centres across Britain and Ireland.
It helps children and young people play, create, communicate and express themselves, connecting with the people they love and the world around them.
Among those to see and test the equipment were three children receiving care at The Nook – James Piper, 12, Jesse Vasey, seven, and Otis Denton, five.
James has a neuromuscular disorder which has not yet been diagnosed.
Mum Mandi said: “This technology is amazing. James is going to benefit so much, as are all the children and young people receiving care here. There’s something for everyone, and it’s an incredibly generous donation.”
Jesse has Down Syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea, and his mum, Vanessa, was similarly positive.
She said: “It’s fantastic, especially the musical equipment, which is already a particularly big hit with Jesse.
“He already loves spending time here, and as soon as we leave he starts asking when he can come back. This is going to make him love it even more!”
The Lifelites package includes a soundbeam, which enables children to create music, adaptive controllers and special switches, allowing youngsters of all abilities to use the equipment and take control.
Also among the new technology is a sensory play tent, which inflates in seconds and comes with colourful lights and relaxing music to provide a calm environment.
Louise Gower, EACH Service Manager, said: “I’d like to say a very big thank you on behalf of all the children, young people, families and staff here at The Nook.
“This equipment is wonderful. It works so well, engages the children and is going to become an integral part of what we do. It’s truly amazing.”
Lifelites provides training, maintenance and support and aims to provide a completely new, free package of the latest technology every four years.
Chief Executive Rob Lightfoot said his charity was delighted to keep working with EACH.
He said: “It’s fantastic to once again support our partnership with EACH by providing a new package of assistive and sensory technology at The Nook.
“Working with the team here, we’ve been able to design and install an extensive range of the latest cutting-edge technology to empower children, young people and families to play, create and communicate in ways that would otherwise be impossible.
“We know this support will help enable joyful experiences and meaningful connections.”
