New sensory technology has been donated to a children’s hospice in Dorset.
Julia's House received the new 'Eyegaze' technology which allows children to paint a picture, play games and communicate by tracking the child’s eye movements with a special sensor.
A 'PODS' sensory tent was also donated to the children's hospice in Corfe Mullen which takes children into the magical world of space, the North Pole or a forest with a virtual reality headset, remote-controlled internal lighting with complementing sound effects and a matching audio book.
The hospice received the technology from the charity Lifelites, which helps children and young people with life-limiting conditions by supplying sensory technology to hospices across England and Wales.
Lifelites also provided Julia’s House care staff, play workers and lead nurses with two full days of training on the equipment, and will continue to support them to get the best out of it.
Natalie Sheehy, lead nurse for Julia’s House along with chief operating officer Martin Edwards, had the technology demonstrated to them by Rob Lightfoot of Lifelites on the day.
Natalie said: “It’s so exciting to be able to offer this equipment to the children and young people in our care.
“We are blown away by the potential of its use. It isn’t just about play, but communication, accessibility and the feeling of inclusiveness it gives the children.
“The POD is portable, so can be used anywhere, and it provides a very useful distraction if children are having procedures completed which could be upsetting to them.
“The team from Lifelites who trained us were so passionate about the equipment and seeing the benefit and inclusiveness it brings.
“Julia’s House is incredibly grateful to Lifelites for this generous donation, which is going to make a huge difference to the children we care for.”
Lifelites is funded by donations from Freemasons and the general public along with grants from the Masonic Charitable Foundation using funds raised through the Festival System.
Graham Glazier, head of Dorset Freemasonry, said: “Dorset Freemasonry is delighted to be part of the team helping Julia’s House to enrich the lives of the children in their care by assisting in the funding of Lifelites and the amazing technology they have provided to the hospice."
Julia's House Children's Hospice provides practical and emotional support for families caring for a child with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition, providing frequent and regular support in their own homes, in the community or at their hospices.
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