Lifelite’s package of innovative, inclusive technology is set to put smiles on faces at Milton

October 18, 2022

Children and young people receiving vital hospice care are set to experience “unforgettable moments of connection and joy” thanks to the donation of ground-breaking technology worth nearly £50,000.

The package, being delivered and installed by the Lifelites charity, will benefit youngsters and families at the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) base in Milton. Lifelites uses the latest assistive and inclusive technology to help children and young people play, create and communicate. It gives them a chance to bring the outside world in and live life as fully as possible.

After a formal handover of the equipment, a special celebration tea party is taking place on 1 November. The Lifelites team and Chief Executive Rob Lightfoot are set to attend, in addition to major donors, EACH staff and families that receive care and support at Milton.

As well as adaptive iPads, eyegaze technology, inclusive gaming equipment and a portable, interactive magic carpet – all replacements for older technology – children and young people will now benefit from a tilt and touch table and POD tent.

The former is one of the latest additions to the Lifelites package. It is a large touch screen that can be moved up and down and tilted, allowing children to paint, play and create.

The POD tent, meanwhile, is a mobile and sensory pop-up tent that comes in a rucksack, meaning hospice staff can take it wherever the children are in the hospice or in their own homes. It creates a calm and happy virtual world where children are surrounded by colourful images and can listen to built-in calming music at the same time.

Mr Lightfoot said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with EACH Milton. As the needs of the children and families using their services change and become more complex, Lifelites has responded by providing an extensive package of the latest assistive technology.

“With over 20 years’ experience, we know these technologies will empower children and young people with life-limiting conditions to engage and interact with the people they love and enjoy the world they live in. We hope this support helps them create many joyful memories.”

Lifelites is the only charity working with every children’s hospice service across the British Isles and, each year, helps around 10,000 children. Every four years, Lifelites aims to return to each hospice with a new package of the latest technology. EACH Milton and the charity have a long-lasting relationship, having been working in partnership since 2000. This will be Lifelites’ sixth donation to Milton.

Helen Thrower, EACH Play Specialist, said: “Lifelites is a truly wonderful charity. The specialist technology they are providing is absolutely magical and will give the children and young people who use our services many opportunities and experiences they wouldn’t otherwise have. I’m sure everyone will have so much fun.”