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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.

About Vlaštovka
Goals and principles of our work

At Vlaštovka, we follow the so-called family-centred care and therefore respond to the individual and specific needs, wishes and capabilities of patients, families and carers in every play and art session. The sessions are always tailored to the patient's needs so that they feel safe and comfortable. The patient and their family are partners with whom we plan, create and evaluate the results of our work together. We build on the goals of play work as they are professionally defined and internationally recognised.

Accordingly, our task is to:

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  • prepare patients for medical interventions;

  • teach strategies for coping with pain and assist with creating a plan to manage the procedure;

  • create a safe environment to express emotions while bridging the gap between home and the unfamiliar hospital/hospice environment;

  • provide sensory stimulation and activation;

  • promote healthy development and self-expression;

  • encourage natural childhood play and adult playfulness;

  • provide activities that offer opportunities for independent decision making;

  • create space to make good memories;

  • bring kind human contact, joy, relief and moments of peace

 

We always respect patients' values, cultural and religious beliefs. 

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