Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about Hearts & Minds and our healthcare clowning programmes.
What is the difference between a healthcare clown and a party clown? +
Healthcare clowns are professional theatre artists specially trained to work in sensitive clinical environments like hospitals, hospices, and care homes. They do not perform rehearsed routines or wear heavy makeup; instead, they work in duos to deliver subtle, improvised, in-the-moment therapeutic play.
Where do Hearts & Minds Clowndoctors and Elderflowers visit? +
Our visits take place across Scotland in major paediatric hospitals (such as Royal Hospital for Children Glasgow and Royal Hospital for Children & Young People Edinburgh), children's hospices (Robin House and Rachel House), ASN schools, and residential dementia care homes.
How can I sponsor a Clowndoctor or Elderflower? +
You can sponsor an individual performer monthly or annually through our Sponsor a Clowndoctor programme. Sponsorship helps fund regular therapeutic visits for children and older adults across Scotland.
Are the performers volunteers? +
No, our Clowndoctors and Elderflowers are professional performing artists who are employed and specially trained in healthcare clowning, hygiene protocols, child protection, and dementia care.
How does Hearts & Minds fund its work? +
Hearts & Minds is a registered Scottish charity (SC027040). We rely entirely on the generosity of public donations, trust grants, corporate partnerships, and community fundraising to deliver our therapeutic programmes.
