Keeping the Children’s Spirits Up
While in hospital, children miss the stimulation and structure of their normal school and family life. LATCH helps organise a range of activities and treats to help boost morale and keep children occupied and amused during their long stays in hospital.
LATCH also organises trips for the children and their families to keep their spirits up whilst recovering from treatment at home.
LATCH Christmas Party
The annual LATCH Christmas party is a great opportunity for all the children to get together and have some fun.
Entertainers offering face painting, games and activities always help to raise a smile, as does the yummy party food afterwards!
Caravans
Thanks to our fundraisers, and especially the dedicated work of our Emyr Owen branch in Porthcawl and the family and friends of Chloe Evans, LATCH has three caravans which are free for families to use, helping to uplift them when they need it most, giving everyone in the family a well needed break by the sea.
Two are located in Porthcawl, and one in Kiln Park, Tenby and families are able to use them at no charge, ensuring happy memories can be made even whilst undergoing one of the most difficult experiences imaginable.
We know spending time together and making precious memories is invaluable.
Sandra Owen
This supported the idea of purchasing Emyr’s Karavan4theKidz in Porthcawl. With the amazing support of the community we purchased the first caravan and gave it to LATCH so children and their families could have respite during treatments.
Due to the demand we also purchased Emyr’s Karavan4theKidz 2. Again the community support was amazing and Paul, Christian, Kev, Huw & I are extremely grateful.
iPads for Patients Project
In 2017, LATCH launched its exciting iPads for Patients Project, with an individual device being given to all children on active treatment for cancer or leukaemia and who LATCH is helping to support.
The iPad’s success with children who are undergoing treatment lies in its ability to provide a near-endless world of entertainment and opportunities to reduce anxiety and fear. Benefits for children include but aren’t limited to:
- Keeping in contact with friends and family through Skype, email, social media and FaceTime
- Keeping up-to-date with school-work and extra-curricular activities
- Communicating with doctors and nurses
- Managing symptoms and improving knowledge
- Alleviating boredom with the use of games and online streaming services such as Netflix and YouTube
- Prepping children for radiotherapy
- Using innovative psychology apps for communicating emotions
Trips
LATCH organises lots of fun events throughout the year including trips to LEGO Land, Build a Bear and many other popular attractions.
Through our Social Work and Psychologist Teams, LATCH also organises other trips and treats throughout the year to help children to meet others in similar situations and deal with complex issues in a fun and exciting way, such as our recent white water rafting, Go-Ape and spray painting events.
Children’s Entertainers
LATCH organises visits from professional children’s entertainers on a regular basis to help brighten up the day.
Games and Toys
LATCH keeps the Play Rooms on Rainbow Ward and Rocket Ward well stocked and invests in computers and the latest electronic gaming equipment to help while away the hours. We also fund craft items to ensure children can keep creative, as well as slime factories which are proving increasingly popular.
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