Families came together for an afternoon of fun, colour, music and sensory play during a spectacular festival-style event at The Treehouse.
Nearly 140 people attended TreeFEST – a flagship day for those receiving care and support at East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices’ (EACH) base in Suffolk.
Highlights included music from folk and sea shanty crew Rum Ole Boys, a performance from Ipswich School of Dance, a music and movement workshop run by DanceEast and the chance to stroke furry friends thanks to a visit from Allonsfield Care Farm.
Families also had a chance to find out more about the ongoing expansion project at The Treehouse, with children having fun sitting in a real-life digger being used for the construction and enjoying the opportunity to feel part of the work.
“We couldn’t be more thankful for the incredible engagement of our local community,” said Kelly Evans, EACH’s Groups and Events Co-ordinator at The Treehouse.
“The energy everyone brings is amazing. There were so many wonderful interactions, and an event of this nature is a way of bringing lots of families together in one safe space.
“The Treehouse is somewhere they’re familiar with, and because of that, they’re relaxed and comfortable and hopefully have a great time.
“At this time of year, there are lots of public summer gatherings such as fetes and carnivals, but for some of the families we support these can be inaccessible and impossible to attend.
“Instead, we create an environment appropriate for them, as well as being around other people who understand their situations.
“There’s something for everyone, and we try our hardest to make it the most memorable sensory experience, offering things that are colourful and visual alongside activities involving feeling, touching and hearing.”
One of the most memorable moments of the day came when two children receiving care plucked up the courage to come forward and sing, accompanied by a sibling who expertly played the drums.
The Treehouse’s catering team pulled out the stops to put on a barbecue and delicious spread of refreshments, and there were arts and crafts activities for festival-goers to enjoy.
Children could have their faces painted by Abbie Khangaroot, while special guests included Ipswich Talk Club Captain Joe Thomson, who was on hand to spread the word about the Ipswich Town Foundation’s speaking and listening club for men, held at Portman Road every other Tuesday evening.
In total, 136 people representing 34 families attended, and they were also able to find out more about Suffolk-based circus school Circable.
Visitors were invited to get involved in engaging, adaptable and accessible activities that use balance, coordination and strength.
“It was an absolute honour to be asked, and the opportunity to take circus skills to those people we’re trying to reach the most was an absolute pleasure,” said Cindy Downey, from Circable.
“It was amazing to see so many children accessing the equipment and having the freedom to fly.”
In addition to the community involvement, the event was made possible by 17 volunteers who gave up their time to support the EACH team.
“The volunteers are incredible,” added Kelly.
“They come from all different areas of the organisation – from wellbeing to facilities and fundraising – and everyone chips in and does so much invaluable work behind the scenes.
“Nothing’s too big an ask, and an event of this nature, and of this scale, simply wouldn’t be possible without them.
“Together, we make things happen, and this is a place where magic happens.”
Pictures: Scott King/EACH
