(Image: Supplied)
A storytelling project bringing books and imagination to hospital has already helped hundreds of children across the North East.
The project is a partnership between Newcastle Hospitals Charity and Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children’s Books.
Professional storytellers run group and bedside sessions at the Great North Children’s Hospital and Freeman Hospital to brighten young patients’ stays.
Katie Newell, head of the arts programme at Newcastle Hospitals Charity, said: "Connecting babies, children and young people with Seven Stories’ storytellers during hospital stays creates opportunity for escapism into imaginary worlds, and moments of joy, when it is often needed most.
"Patients tell us how the storytelling sessions are fun and make them feel less stressed and worried about being in hospital, while families report reading together more because of the experience.
"We are incredibly proud of our partnership with Seven Stories and look forward to continuing this valued work together."
The project delivers ten storytelling sessions a month across the two hospitals as part of Newcastle Hospitals Charity’s wider arts programme.
It has reached young patients and families more than 430 times.
Staff say patients leave the sessions happier, more relaxed and better connected to those around them.
Laura McShane, a health play specialist, said: "Tom, our storyteller, has had a profoundly positive impact across our children's wards with both our patients and our staff team.
"He has created meaningful moments of imagination, comfort and connection for patients and their families during what is a challenging time.
"Through engaging stories and creative interactions, children and young people have been given opportunities to express themselves, reduce anxiety and maintain a sense of normality whilst in hospital.
"The programme has helped make the ward environment more welcoming and child-friendly for patients, supporting emotional wellbeing and enhancing the overall patient experience.
"We have seen firsthand how storytelling can bring joy and laughter to everyone around.
"Thank you to Tom, Newcastle Hospitals Charity Arts team, and Seven Stories."
Wendy Elliot, CEO at Seven Stories, said: "Inspiration for the project was born out of the magic of stories to connect and the acknowledgement that not all children are able to come to us for lots of reasons so we have to be where children are.
"One of the impacts of this project that we’re most proud of at Seven Stories is the reading continues when children, families and siblings go home.
"They can take a favourite book home, and they can read it together as a family – that’s a really fulfilling moment for us because that reading journey continues and children and families reading together is really special and infinitely impactful on a family unit’s wellbeing."
Read more
North East care home residents stitch quilt celebrating life stories
Halloween: Where to find ghost walks, scares and spooky fun in the North East
Teesside woman's mega challenge honours grandad's 40 years on hospital radio
The programme is one of a growing number of creative health projects funded by Newcastle Hospitals Charity.
Other recent schemes include the successful Dance Moves rehabilitation project with Dance City, bedside live-music sessions, visual art exhibitions and singing groups designed to improve lung health.
Together, the initiatives bring comfort, creativity and connection to patients of all ages in hospital.