The moment you walk in here, you get a lump in your throat and tears in your eyes.
Photos of children in hospitals everywhere.
The CliniClowns do truly incredible work.
Wow.
So confronting, and all the more important because of it.
Today was my first visit to discuss the upcoming LinkedIn Masterclass.
And what a warm and welcoming group of people.
It’s almost as if everyone who works there has a cheerful clown hiding somewhere inside them.
Naturally, I felt right at home. 😉
They’re located in a beautiful part of Amersfoort, surrounded by artistic buildings, with an old train right in the middle of it all.
And then there’s the big red nose above the door.
You can’t miss it.
They have more than 100 CliniClowns employed full-time, dedicating their days to sick children, children with disabilities and people living with dementia.
Through play, humour and genuine human connection, they make difficult moments a little lighter and help reduce feelings of pain, stress and fear.
It’s honestly beautiful.
Almost impossible to put into words.
One child might be getting a little injection.
Another might be going through a serious medical treatment.
Some things you don’t even want to think about.
But they happen.
And CliniClowns make those moments just a little easier to bear.
There’s also research showing that visits from CliniClowns can contribute to people’s quality of life and wellbeing.
They help sick children forget, even for a moment, that they’re sick.
And they help people with disabilities or dementia feel seen, understood and connected.
That makes complete sense to me.
Your mental state affects how you feel and function.
And children are vulnerable.
So sometimes, a clown really can work wonders.
I immediately filled my bag with red noses and cuddly toys for my kids.
And of course, I made a nice donation too.
Will you join in?
Send Ekelien a message.
A big round of applause for CliniClowns!
And for all the children. ❤️🤡
