OUR STORY
Our story began even before the organisation itself was founded.
Vlaštovka was created by Michaela Váňová and Magdalena Šmídová Turchichová, who had each, in their own way, been interested for many years in how art can become part of care for people facing difficult life situations. During her doctoral studies at DAMU, Michaela focused on theatre in palliative care and explored what a theatrical encounter can bring to people with serious illness or to patients at the end of life. Magdalena was interested in palliative care and its possible connection with art, sensitive support, and meaningful care for both the person and their loved ones.
Out of their shared belief grew the idea of an organisation that would bring play, art and human connection to places where life can be fragile, uncertain or painful. Gradually, child life with seriously ill children became part of this journey. In other countries, the profession of Child Life Specialist or Health Play Specialist is a well-established part of care for children in hospitals, hospices and home settings. In the Czech Republic, however, this field does not yet have a firm place. And yet it is play that helps children understand treatment, cope with fear and pain, prepare for procedures, express emotions, and stay connected to the world of childhood.
From these roots — theatre in palliative care, an interest in the connection between art and care, and, gradually, child life with ill children — Vlaštovka was born.
We were officially founded in January 2024 thanks to the initiative and support of the Vlček Family Foundation. From the very beginning, we wanted to be directly with children, patients and families who need our support, while also developing the field of child life in the Czech Republic so that one day it can become a natural part of care. Step by step, we began flying to hospitals, hospices and families’ homes. We bring children play, sensory experiences, stories, creative activities, preparation for difficult situations, and space for ordinary joy. For adult patients and families, we offer theatre and artistic encounters that can bring relief, closeness, and moments to remember. At the same time, we create methodological tools, provide training, publish, connect professionals, continue our own education, and look for ways to establish the profession of child life specialist within the Czech care system.
We are still at the beginning. But we know where we are flying: we want play and art to become a natural part of care for families going through difficult times. We want children with serious illness to have support that helps them understand, play, communicate, cope with fear, and remain children.
WHAT WE DO AND WHAT SERVICES WE OFFER
theatre for seriously ill children and their families
In Vlaštovka we create delicate theatrical productions
for sick children in a specific way that always respects
the child's capabilities and condition.
We use sensory stimuli - we work with visual, tactile and auditory sensations, a changing atmosphere, we offer the possibility of involving children in the game, which is of course not a requirement. Our performances support the possibility of choice, encourage playfulness, bring distraction, but above all a shared family experience.
Each performance is always performed by one actress who comes with everyone.
props and stage directly to your home. We can play in a free
space, e.g. the living room, but we can also play by the crib lying down
child.
Duration: approx. 45min (always taking into account the child's current condition)
Price: in Prague in 2026, free of charge thanks to the financial support of the Capital City of Prague
REGULAR HOME VISITS BY A CHILD LIFE SPECIALIST
When a child is seriously ill, it can sometimes be difficult to find space for simple play, joy, calming down, or time together. That's why a play specialist can come to the child's home.
At the beginning, we get to know the family, find out what the child enjoys, what they miss during their illness, what they are afraid of, what helps them, and what the parents would like to support. Based on this, we prepare an individual play care plan — a plan of regular meetings that have a clear direction, but at the same time always respect the child's current condition.
In home care, we mainly focus on:
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A game that brings moments of "normal childhood"
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Sensory activities that (depending on the child's needs) activate or calm
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Preparation for procedures and examinations (understandably and sensitively according to age, e.g. blood tests)
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Training in techniques for managing fear and pain (distraction and breathing techniques, coping plan)
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Support for sibling play (healthy and sick) and family communication
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Sensitive creation of memories (gently and respectfully - e.g. creating pictures or handprints, recording voices, recording shared storytelling, etc.)
How the service works
First, there is an initial meeting with the family. Together we discuss what the child needs, what is pleasant for them, what to avoid and what goals the play care should have. This is followed by 7 meetings of 60 minutes each. Each meeting is prepared individually, but at the same time it is always adapted to how the child feels that day. When they have strength, we can create, play or try new things. When they are tired, the meeting can be calmer, sensory, musical or just very gentle.
Price
In 2026, the service will be free for families thanks to financial support from the Vlčkov Family Foundation.
Our Goals and Principles
At Vlaštovka, our work is grounded in the principles of family-centered care and palliative care. That’s why every play-based or artistic encounter is shaped by the individual needs, wishes, and capacities of patients, their families, and caregivers. Each session is led by the patient in a way that ensures they feel safe, respected, and comfortable. We see the patient and their family as partners — together we plan, create, and reflect on the outcomes of our shared work.
Our practice is informed by the goals of the child life profession as professionally defined and internationally recognized by the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) and the Society of Health Play Specialists (SoHPS). In alignment with these standards, our work includes:
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supporting healthy development, self-expression, and the ability to make independent choices;
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educating children and families about health conditions in age-appropriate and accessible language;
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preparing children for medical procedures and hospital-related experiences, and helping to co-create personalized coping plans;
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assessing the needs of children and their families during hospitalization;
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teaching coping skills and strategies for managing pain and distress;
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creating a safe space for expressing emotions related to past or upcoming procedures, and helping children process their experiences;
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working with families to support therapeutic relationships between patients, siblings, and caregivers;
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offering opportunities for creating meaningful and positive memories;
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providing a safe environment for siblings to engage in normalizing play during times of loss, grief, and mourning;
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bringing gentle human presence, moments of joy, relief, and lightness.
The Code of Ethics
Our Code of Ethics reflects our commitment to providing high-quality, trustworthy, and compassionately attuned play and arts-based support within palliative care.
At Vlaštovka, we work with deep respect for children and their families facing serious illness. We believe that every child has the right to play, safety, respect, and sensitive support — even in the most difficult moments.
This code is intended for play specialists working with Vlaštovka, as well as for students, volunteers, and collaborators involved in this work. Its purpose is not to impose strict rules, but to offer guidance for ethical decision-making, to promote professional integrity, and to safeguard the dignity of children and their families.
Our Goals and Principles
Annual reports:
Here you can find a comprehensive document summarizing our activities and financial performance over the past year.
Annual Report 2024
Our Goals and Principles
Annual reports:
Here you can find a comprehensive document summarizing our activities and financial performance over the past year.
Annual Report 2024
Why Are Play and Art So Important?
Joy
Play and art bring moments of joy to patients and their families, which can significantly enhance emotional well-being and overall quality of life.
Support
Creative activities provide emotional and psychological support, assist in coping with difficult experiences, and build strength during the hardships of illness.
Communication
Shared activities support effective communication between patients, their loved ones, and healthcare professionals, leading to better expression and understanding of needs and emotions.
Development
Play and art stimulate cognitive, sensory, and emotional development, foster adaptive strategies, and help patients and their families access their inner resources.
Emotions
Play and creative activities offer emotional and psychological support, help manage stressful situations, and strengthen resilience in the face of life’s challenges.
Understanding
By working with themes through play or artistic expression, families can deepen their understanding of the situation they are going through — and of one another.