Hearts & Minds were delighted to welcome to Edinburgh 50 delegates to the General Assembly of the European Federation of Healthcare Clowning Organisations. The General Assembly was held at The Scottish Storytelling Centre in the heart of Edinburgh from 2 – 4 October.
The General Assembly is an annual meeting for Artistic Directors and Chief Executives and General Managers from the 20 healthcare clowning organisations across Europe. The Assembly took place over three days and included presentations by member organisations, artistic workshops, and discussion groups where efhco members shared what is happening within their own countries and discuss impacts and outcomes of healthcare clowning.
Our Co-Artistic Directors Diane Thornton and Lucy McGreal did a presentation to the Assembly about the current programmes and future plans for Hearts & Minds. They then met delegates afterwards to exchange ideas and thoughts and talk more about our current and forthcoming projects.
Sean Donnelly, CEO, of host organization Hearts & Minds commented:
"I am thrilled to have welcomed our colleagues from healthcare clown organisations across Europe to Edinburgh for this annual assembly. It is a fantastic opportunity for us to discuss and compare our work and the challenges we face and support each other with new ideas and shared research. We are also delighted that while in Edinburgh we introduced them to the history of Edinburgh’s Old Town, held a ceilidh where a few whiskies were enjoyed”
efhco
Healthcare clowning is not unique to Scotland. It is an internationally recognised performing arts in health practice.
efhco is the umbrella body representing 20 healthcare clown organizations with professional trained clowns in EU Healthcare (hospitals/care homes for kids, seniors, dementia or any special needs) or other environments. By bringing humour, solace and laughter into hospitals, hospices, care institutions, Healthcare clowns have been found to boost the resistance and willpower of their patients, whether young children or adults. efhco is Brussels-based, representing registered 20 NGOs from Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, The Netherlands, UK, Norway and Switzerland.
The next General Assembly will be held in Paris in 2025. We can’t wait!
