This new Dream Room is the latest addition to a nationwide initiative, designed to create a haven where children can escape the clinical environment of hospital care and step into a world of creativity, play and hope, says Reach For A Dream.

A Sanctuary for Healing and Imagination

Reach For A Dream says that it believes every child deserves the opportunity to dream big, even amid hospitalisation. The Dream Rooms transform the hospital experience by offering a welcoming retreat that encourages imaginative play and provides a much-needed escape from the rigours of medical treatment.

Fully equipped with engaging toys, art supplies, books and immersive virtual reality experiences, the newest Dream Room has been carefully designed to be a joyful sanctuary for young patients in the paediatric cardiac ward, the organisation says.

Expert Care With a Personal Touch

Manning this new Dream Room are dedicated psychology graduates who receive on-the-job training to ensure that each child enjoys a moment of respite and benefits from expert guidance tailored to their emotional and developmental needs, Reach For A Dream says.

These trained professionals work closely with children to help them reach their Early Developmental Checkpoints (EDC milestones), providing supportive activities that foster growth and build resilience during their hospital stay, the organisation adds.

In Their Own Words

"The launch of this Dream Room marks our fourth successful collaboration with FEM and truly embodies our shared commitment to transforming hospital environments into sanctuaries of hope. By creating a vibrant, safe and engaging space, we offer children the opportunity to dream, play, and learn — free from the confines of a clinical setting," says Natalie Lazaris, Head of Fundraising at Reach For A Dream.

"It is incredibly rewarding to know that so many young patients will now experience moments of joy and distraction, allowing them to simply be children. I extend my heartfelt thanks to FEM for their generous support, which is pivotal in making a lasting difference in the lives of hospitalised children," Lazaris adds.

"At FEM, we are committed to initiatives that make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most. Partnering with Reach For A Dream to create this Dream Room at Steve Biko Academic Hospital aligns with our mission to support communities and enhance well-being," says Nazeer Hoosen, FEM CEO.

"We believe that a space filled with hope, imagination and comfort can have a profound impact on the recovery journey of young patients. It is our privilege to contribute to a project that brings joy and relief to children and their families during challenging times," Hoosen concludes.

For more information, visit www.reachforadream.org.za. You can also follow Reach For A Dream on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor