The Magical Blue Feather

The Magical Blue Feather

Friday 13 January 2017

Another Beginning

Children's Hospice



Several times over the past year or so I have tried to contact the local Children's Hospices to see if they would like me to come and tell stories - for free, of course.
Last month one of them contacted me - and yesterday I made my first visit.

It was one of the most difficult storytelling sessions I have ever experienced.

This week is a special one for the hospice - they only have 4 unaccompanied  teenage patients, who have multiple sensory problems and are there for a week of sensory experiences. Having seen my videos, the staff thought my style of telling would be just right for them. That was all I knew. I had never visited a children's hospice before.

One of the 4 had a fit in the night and was still asleep - so there were only 3 children plus various staff members.

All 3 were in wheelchairs and obviously had very limited movement. Their hands were curled and unmoving. They had no speech and were either completely or partially unsighted. I am not sure what they could hear.

For over an hour and a half I told various stories - the staff loved them - but there was no response at all from the children even when I let the soft toys touch their hands and faces.

As you can imagine, I felt pretty useless - but the staff then assured me that the children's stillness was, in itself, a sign of their approval. If they had been bored or upset they would have made their feelings felt.

So, apparently, it was a success.

Normally, of course, the hospice has a wide range of children and families in residence and storytelling would be much easier.

Now I am about to apply for a grant so that I can become the resident storyteller for our 3 local children's hospices for a year. Wish me luck!