Life Changing Donation - Leigh-on-Sea

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Leigh On Sea News: Life Changing Donation – CHILDREN and young people receiving care at Little Havens, the children’s hospice for Essex, have received a donation of life-changing technology worth thousands of pounds from children’s charity Lifelites.

Life Changing Donation - CHILDREN and young people receiving care at Little Havens, the children’s hospice for Essex, have received a donation of life-changing technology worth thousands of pounds from children’s charity Lifelites.

CHILDREN and young people receiving care at Little Havens, the children’s hospice for Essex, have received a donation of life-changing technology worth thousands of pounds from children’s charity Lifelites.

Many of the children supported by Little Havens have complex disabilities, but the innovative technology donated by Lifelites allows children the opportunity to have fun and express themselves, to connect with the people they love and with the world around them.

It enables them to play, be creative, control something for themselves and communicate, in ways that aren’t typically possible for them.

The technology, along with training and technical support services, which the charity provides for free, costs around £50,000 over four years. After four years, the charity will return to replace the equipment with the latest, up to date technology.

One of the pieces of equipment donated was a Mobile Magic Carpet. This is a portable unit which projects an image on to the floor, a wheelchair tray or a bed, which children can interact with. This technology opens up a world of immersive play and adventure, often with siblings, from kicking up leaves, popping bubbles, splashing in the sea or even playing football.

Head of Children’s Services at Havens Hospices, Emma Simpson said: “We are overwhelmed by this incredibly generous donation.

“At Little Havens, we want to empower our children as much as possible and help them reach their potential, and this technology allows us to encourage this by stimulating their senses and allowing them to get involved, no matter how complex their condition.”

Lifelites is the charity that provides for free the latest assistive and inclusive technology to children’s hospice and palliative care centres across the Britian and Ireland, empowering children with life-limiting conditions to play, create and communicate.

Rob Lightfoot, Chief Executive of Lifelites said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Little Havens.

“As the needs of the children and families using their services change and become more complex, Lifelites has responded by providing an extensive package of the latest assistive technology. With over 25 years’ experience, we know that these technologies will empower children and young people with life-limiting conditions to engage and interact with the people they love and enjoy the world they live in.

“We hope that this support helps them to create many joyful memories.”

Lifelites was only able to donate this package of technology due to the generosity of supporters including Essex Freemasons, Grange Farm Trust, David Solomons Charitable Trust, the Childwick Trust and the Access Foundation.

Picture: Connie Woulfe, 7, who has SMA and is supported by Little Havens alongside Havens Hospices staff including CEO Steve Smith, Donna White Play Therapist and Chair of Trustees Liz Mell, plus representatives from Lifelites.

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