Theodora Children's Charity provide Giggle Doctors for children with brain injuries and epilepsy.
Giggle Doctors are professional performers, highly trained to work both in the hospital environment and with disabled children. They come from a wide range of backgrounds and bring with them a variety of skills (among our team are actors, entertainers, magicians, musicians and singers).
They currently visit hospitals and hospices, as well as specialist care centres for children with brain injuries and severe epilepsy who need 24 hour individual care.
All our Giggle Doctors have an enhanced DBS check. They always get permission from the children before approaching them. Nurses also inform us whether or not to visit a particular child.
The training consists of a rigorous schedule of artistic and medical workshops which cover topics such as child development, infection control, child bereavement and the impact of illness and bereavement on families.
Dr Bananas, Dr Dotty and their funny friends are also trained in 'Intensive Interaction' which is a practical approach to working with people with very severe learning difficulties, helping them to relate and communicate better with the people around them.