Hospital Outreach Programme
Bringing laughter, creativity, and engaging activities to young people in hospital
Our Hospital Outreach Programme (HOP) brings the magic of Barretstown to children and families in the hospital setting.
At a time and in an environment that can be hugely stressful, frightening, upsetting and uncertain for families, our HOP team aim to redirect the focus and create opportunities for joy, fun and laughter. Working in close partnership with hospital staff, our team designs purposeful activity-based programmes that foster resilience, emotional wellbeing, and a sense of normalcy, all with the goal of enhancing quality of life throughout the treatment journey.
We visit wards and waiting rooms where little ones and toddlers can enjoy hands-on play, storytelling, and sensory activities, while older children and teenagers can take part in creative arts projects, individualised crafts, interactive games puzzles and quizzes), and group challenges designed to foster laughter, social connection and a little mischief!
Locations
In hospitals across Ireland and the UK
We currently offer our Hospital Outreach Programme in CHI at Crumlin, CHI at Temple Street, Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, Cork University Hospital and University College London Hospital.
Our team facilitate this programme in both inpatient and outpatient settings, including waiting rooms, treatment rooms, playrooms, bedsides, and sometimes even hallways!
