Clowning in Hospitals and Specialist Centres in the UK
I have been working with Theodora Children’s Trust for 10 years and make weekly visits as the clown,
Dr Betty Ding Dong (a Bell Bottomist), to hospitals throughout the U.K. including Great Ormond Street Hospital,
Southampton General Hospital, Royal United Hospital Bath, Royal Berkshire Reading, Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
I also visit two specialist centres in Surrey on a monthly basis: The Children’s Trust in Tadworth, a centre providing
care, education and therapy to children with multiple disabilities and complex health needs, and
The National Centre for Young People with Epilepsy (NCYPE).
As part of a talented team of special clowns, we aim to bring laughter, music and magic to the children (and adults)
As part of a talented team of special clowns, we aim to bring laughter, music and magic to the children (and adults)
we visit. Our training takes two years, and of course we are always learning on the job! I see our joyful, challenging
work as a cycle of giving and receiving and feel very privileged to be a part of this. Please visit the website for more
information: www.theodora.org.uk.
I also work with A Spoonful of Sugar, another UK charity, making monthly visits, as Bel the Clown, to the Carousel
I also work with A Spoonful of Sugar, another UK charity, making monthly visits, as Bel the Clown, to the Carousel
Ward of the University College of London Hospital. Please visit www.aspoonfulofsugar.org
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