Our Services
Theatre for Seriously Ill Children and Their Families
At Vlaštovka, we create gentle theatre performances for seriously ill children in a specific way that always respects the child’s abilities, condition and current needs. We use sensory stimuli — visual, tactile and auditory experiences — as well as a changing atmosphere. Children are invited to take part in the story, but participation is never required.
Our performances support choice, encourage playfulness, bring distraction and, above all, offer a shared experience for the whole family.
Each performance is always presented by one actress, who brings all the necessary props and set pieces directly to your home. We can perform in an open space, such as a living room, but we are also able to play right beside the bed of a child who is lying down.
You can choose a specific performance on this page.
Duration: approximately 45 minutes, always with respect to the child’s current condition
Price: free of charge in Prague in 2026 thanks to the financial support of the 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 ordinary play, joy, calm or shared time. This is why a child life specialist can come directly to the child’s home.
At the beginning, we get to know the family and find out what the child enjoys, what they miss during illness, what they are afraid of, what helps them, and what the parents would like to support. Based on this, we prepare an individual child life plan — a plan for regular sessions with a clear direction, while always respecting the child’s current condition.
In home care, we mainly focus on:
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Play that brings moments of “ordinary childhood”
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Sensory activities that, depending on the child’s needs, can either activate or calm them
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Preparation for procedures and examinations in a clear and sensitive way, appropriate to the child’s age — for example, blood tests
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Practising techniques for managing fear and pain, such as distraction and breathing techniques or a coping plan
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Supporting play between siblings, including between the healthy and the ill child, and supporting family communication
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Sensitive memory-making, gently and respectfully — for example, creating pictures or handprints, recording the child’s voice, or capturing shared storytelling
How it Works
First, we have an introductory meeting with the family. Together, we talk about what the child needs, what feels pleasant for them, what should be avoided, and what goals the child life support should have. This is followed by seven 60-minute sessions. Each session is prepared individually, while also adapting to how the child feels on that particular day. When the child has enough energy, we can create, play or try new things. When they are tired, the session can be calmer, sensory, musical, or very gentle.
Price
In 2026, thanks to the financial support of the Vlček Family Foundation, this service is free of charge for families.
