Love was in the air during a fun-packed afternoon themed around Valentine’s Day.
The session was for babies and pre-school children 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 welcome, too.
This week’s session was themed around Valentine’s Day, and, among the highlights, children played with pink, vanilla-scented Play-Doh. They put it in cake cases, which they covered with heart-shaped sprinkles.
They also explored the senses by smelling lemon, orange and vanilla scent bags, touching and playing with red glitter and sequins, stacking and knocking over cups and having fun with ‘big hare’ and ‘little hare’ puppets.
Among those to attend was two-year-old Primrose Harvey, who has the congenital defect hypoplastic right heart syndrome. She came looking the part in a beautiful heart-patterned dress.
Mum Katie said: “This is an important time of year for us, as February is National Heart Month.
“It’s to raise awareness of children with heart conditions and special for our family.
“Primrose gets so much pleasure from TreeTots.
“It’s helping build her confidence, because she’s in and out of hospital and sees lots of health professionals. Although they’re lovely and amazing, it can be scary for her.
“However, coming here and being in such a bright, colourful and friendly environment makes her realise there’s nothing to be frightened of.
“It’s great for her to make friends and spend time with other children, and I love connecting with fellow parents, too.
“It’s an opportunity to share our experiences, and they understand everything we’ve been through. They just get it.”
Katie believes TreeTots is a perfect example of the positive difference EACH makes.
“When I tell people we receive support from a hospice, they say ‘I’m sorry’ and assume it’s for end-of-life care,” she said.
“However, I always explain it’s about so much more. It’s about creating precious memories, and we’re so grateful for the amazing support we receive.”
As well as starting and finishing with ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’ songs, the children enjoyed hearing a story called Guess How Much I Love You, by Sam McBratney.
EACH Play Specialist Hailey Allen, who runs the group with members of the occupational therapy and physical therapies teams, said: “It was another great afternoon and lovely to welcome two new families.
“That’s what these sessions are for, and, while their children may have different conditions and be on separate pathways, they can relate to each other’s situations.
“Hopefully it helps reduce any feelings of isolation.
“It’s a chance to ask questions and have conversations in a safe environment, and hopefully they find it beneficial.”
In total, five children came along, in addition to two young siblings, and they were accompanied by mums, a dad and a grandmother.
The next TreeTots session is taking place on 24th February and will be themed around fantasy and magic. To book a place, head here.
