Vlaštovka

Vlaštovka is a Czech nonprofit organization providing psychosocial support to seriously ill children and adults, as well as their families, in hospitals, hospices and at home. Its work combines therapeutic play, communication and education with arts-based activities to help children understand illness and medical procedures, express emotions, and cope with fear, pain and stress. Play specialists prepare children for treatment, support their sense of safety and control, and help preserve moments of childhood during illness. They work alongside healthcare professionals and also support parents and siblings.

Vlaštovka brings sensitive, small-scale theatre performances to patients and families in hospitals, hospices and homes. These performances can offer distraction, engage the senses and create meaningful shared experiences. The organization also provides workshops, seminars and educational programs for healthcare students, clinicians and other care professionals on psychosocial support for seriously ill children. In addition, Vlaštovka develops the role of play specialists in healthcare through professional collaboration, research, conference participation and methodological resources.