Results of the Mini-Grant Competition “Survivor and Community-Led Crisis Response (SCLR) in Ukraine” / “Supporting Community Initiatives”
At the center of attention is the initiative group of Rivne City Children’s Hospital, which implemented a project to create a safe, modern, and inclusive space for children undergoing treatment by establishing a playground. This initiative significantly improves the quality of a child’s stay in the hospital and supports the recovery process.
What was the problem?
The hospital playground urgently needed renovation to ensure the safety of children in the facility. One of the key conditions for effective treatment and rehabilitation is the creation of a supportive psychological environment. A child’s stay in a medical facility is usually accompanied by fear of procedures, separation from family, and disruption of their usual routine.
A playground within a medical facility is more than just entertainment. It is a space where children can feel normal, active, and joyful, even during a challenging period of life. Psychologists and pediatricians unanimously emphasize that play helps reduce anxiety, stimulates motor skills, encourages socialization, and restores a sense of safety.
Within the project, the following activities were carried out:
Leveling and preparing the base for the playground area.
Dismantling old playground structures and elements.
Installing new playground structures on the renovated area.
Now, the playground serves as an alternative to the hospital room, offering a space for psychological relief, physical activity, and social interaction with peers or parents in a pleasant environment.
The project is implemented with the support of the Alliance for Public Health.