With support from the SNF as part of its Global Health Initiative (GHI), Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice is expanding its Specialist Play Program for seriously ill children and their families. SNF has previously supported the Pediatric Palliative Care Nurse position and Music Therapy sessions at Noah’s Ark, which have helped enhance the well-being of children and families and strengthened Noah’s Ark’s capacity to provide essential care and therapeutic support.
Noah’s Ark is a leading provider of pediatric palliative care in North and Central London, offering compassionate, holistic services to children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions. This is especially important in the context of rising demand for children’s hospice care, as the prevalence of life-limiting conditions among children has nearly tripled in the UK over the past 15 years. As the need for pediatric palliative care continues to grow, over 2,500 children in Noah’s Ark’s service area rely on these vital services.
A critical aspect of Noah’s Ark’s care is the Specialist Play Program, which helps children cope with physical and emotional challenges. Many of these children experience long hospital stays, painful treatments, and significant limitations, making it difficult for them to engage in play, an essential part of childhood development. Play is a powerful therapeutic tool with measurable benefits, including stress relief, improved sleep, boosted self-esteem, decreased loneliness, and strengthened family support. Personalized sessions, including sensory play, creative expression, and hydrotherapy ensure that each child experiences meaningful engagement that improves their quality of life.
SNF’s support for Noah’s Ark’s Specialist Play Program will help expand its reach and increase the frequency of play sessions. The organization aims to deliver 4,000 specialist play sessions to seriously ill children, broaden therapeutic interventions—including sensory play, group activities, and bereavement support for siblings and families—and enhance data collection to track improvements in emotional and psychological well-being. This support will allow Noah’s Ark to respond quickly to the growing demand for specialist play services.
By advancing pediatric palliative care and fostering resilience, the Specialist Play Program aligns with SNF’s commitment to improving the well-being of children facing complex health challenges. By expanding this program, Noah’s Ark can continue to provide vital support to seriously ill children and their families, ensuring they receive the care and therapeutic benefits they need.
