Edinburgh hospice opens playground for grieving children

The sound of playing children will soon be heard at St Columba’s Hospice Care as the charity opens a new playground for grieving children.

The play park was due to open in June 2020 but was delayed due to restrictions surrounding Covid-19.

Featuring a slide, climbing wall and fireman’s pole the area provides a safe and comforting environment for young people to express their emotions.

Sensory play items such as an infinity bowl and rainbow chimes are also available making the playground suitable for children of different abilities.

The new service will also allow parents, carers and family members who are patients at the hospice to watch their children safely enjoy the space.

The play park was due to open in June 2020 but was delayed due to restrictions surrounding Covid-19.

But, with strict infection control regulations in place, the hospice has been able to open the park to families this month.

Child development experts agree that playtime can offer an important form of therapy for young people dealing with death and serious illness.

Research from Child Mind found that playing can be a defense mechanism to prevent a child from becoming overwhelmed in situations and can also help children understand the loss of a loved one.

Family Support Team Worker at St Columba’s Hospice Care Donna Hastings said: “We hope that any children visiting the Hospice will be able to use the play areas. It will allow them to play and express themselves and have an outlet for their emotions through play. Play is simply having fun - a spontaneous activity and normally part of their everyday lives.”

The installation of the playground space was made possible by donations made by SPIFOX and the Morrisons Foundation, the charitable arm of the supermarket.

Morrisons Foundation Trustee David Scott said: “St Columba’s is a charity close to the hearts of many people in Edinburgh and the Lothians. We are absolutely delighted to see the vision that was presented to us come to life and know that this will have a long-lasting legacy. The playground is warm, welcoming and embodies the positive family environment that makes St Columba’s so widely admired.”

Ms Hastings added: “Having a play space at the Hospice will help promote that continuity of normal family life. We are grateful to the Trustees of SPIFOX and the Morrisons Foundation who agreed to fund the project and enabled it to go ahead.”

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