Child Life Department BC Children's Hospital
The Child Life Department at BC Children's Hospital strives to promote the optimum development of children and youth in hospital. Child life specialists provide opportunities for patients to gain a sense of mastery through play, learning, self-expression, peer interaction and family involvement. Through preparation, pain management, emotional and procedural support, child life aims to enhance a child's or youth's ability to cope and feel competent during their hospital stay.
In order to address social and emotional needs, child life programs typically offer:
- Therapeutic and recreational play opportunities
- Age-appropriate activities and explanations
- Preparation before and support during and after stressful events
- Socialization opportunities with peers
- Coping techniques for procedures such as distraction, breathing, relaxation techniques
- Coordination of holiday, entertainment and special visitor events
- Advocacy for family-centered care
- Assistance with school re-entry
There are a number of play spaces at BC Children's Hospital that both inpatients and outpatients can access. These play spaces contain a variety of activities for children, including arts and crafts, board games, story books, and toys. In addition, we have a teen lounge that youth aged 12 and up use for recreational activities, music therapy, computer access, watching movies, and so forth.
An integral part of the play and recreation programs offered to hospitalized children and youth is the availability of quality art supplies. Thanks to the generous donation made by Opus Framing & Art Supplies, the child life specialists can purchase art supplies and materials for the patients at Children's Hospital. These can be used in any of our play spaces, but can also be offered to patients who are isolated and unable to come out of their rooms. For these patients, having an ongoing art project can provide hours of enjoyment and distraction. For example, if we learn of a child who wants to take up watercolour painting, we can purchase quality materials to help fulfill their desire to learn something new.
What we truly appreciate about Opus' donation is being able to purchase the art supplies when we need them. The donation also gives us the ability to purchase materials based specifically on the needs of the patient.
The Child Life Department is truly appreciative of the incredibly generous donation from Opus Framing & Art Supplies, fundraised by their Mail Order department as part of the Opus Christmas donations. On behalf of the entire department, and on behalf of the patients and families who directly benefit from this donation - thank you!
Opus Customer Service: