Centre for Arts and Play work
in Palliative Care
We bring joy, relief and lightness
to families facing serious illness through
encounters with art and play.
About Us
We are a non-profit organization, which is the first in the Czech Republic specifically dedicated to the development of play work and performing arts for patients and families in palliative care. Play work and art programmes for those suffering from serious illness are an integral part of health care in hospitals, hospices and also home care in many foreign countries. Research confirms a broad range of benefits for patients through engagement with art and play. For people with serious illness and those nearing the end of life, play and theatre can provide a multitude of precious experiences that contribute significantly to a better quality of life. The theatrical form, when appropriately approached, can fulfil all the aims of play work in palliative care, and also brings a range of valuable experiences that play work alone does not. Some examples of this could be the shared experience of families, a space for the safe expression of emotions, or the support of distressed families through an appropriately chosen theatrical story theme. Theatre that uses the principles and methods of play work deepens the effectiveness of play sessions.
Our work is based on international practice, supported by many scientific studies, but also on several years of research by Michaela Váňová (the current managing director of Vlaštovka) on the topic of theatre in palliative care and play work. We know that play and the arts can significantly help improve the quality of life for families with serious illness, so we are looking for ways to bring them to those who need it most. Through our work we want to bring moments of joy, peace and freedom to patients and their families.
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.
You can read our full Code of Ethics here in Czech or English:
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.
Communication
Shared activities support effective communication between patients, their loved ones, and healthcare professionals, leading to better expression and understanding of needs and emotions.
Emotions
Play and creative activities offer emotional and psychological support, help manage stressful situations, and strengthen resilience in the face of life’s challenges.
Support
Creative activities provide emotional and psychological support, assist in coping with difficult experiences, and build strength during the hardships of illness.
Development
Play and art stimulate cognitive, sensory, and emotional development, foster adaptive strategies, and help patients and their families access their inner resources.
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.