Local school children have visited terminally ill patients who are being looked after by the Prospect Hospice and presented them with artwork to brighten their day.
Children from The Chalet School in Swindon visited Prospect Hospice patients to present the painting they had created called 'A Splash of Colour' to say thanks to the charity for the work the hospice does.
The children, who are all autistic, produced the painting as part of a project about people in their community that help others. They said they wanted to produce the piece for others in their community to enjoy.
Helena Knight, head teacher at The Chalet School said: “The hospice’s CEO and staff made us feel very welcome by inviting us to experience the calm and tranquillity of the grounds and gardens at the hospice. The children had a picnic under the trees and enjoyed cupcakes and a drink made by the cater team.
"They were very well-behaved and understood the need to be quiet so as not to disturb the patients. Their teacher, Lauren Yates has explained the hospice is a hospital for sick people in order for the pupils to relate it to something they understand and not upset them unnecessarily.
"We are already talking about developing this community link in a number of ways including how the hospice social worker can support our pupils and staff to talk about loss and bereavement.”
Jo Hollingsworth, director of people at Prospect Hospice, said: “We were delighted to host the school children on their recent visit to thank them for their incredible artwork.
“We know children with autism can often be daunted when coming to the hospice as it’s a new place they’re not familiar with. The team has been working with the teachers at The Chalet School to help the children understand that the hospice is a really positive place, helping people to live with their illnesses.
“The children have worked incredibly hard on this painting to bring joy to the people at the hospice who see it and we were pleased we could treat them to cupcakes in the garden to thank them.”
The hospice says the artwork is now on prominent display in the charity’s Heart of Hospice café, and is already being enjoyed by patients, their families and staff.
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