Children at Demelza SEL enjoy new Lifelites equipment

Lifelites, which provides fun and educational technology to children’s hospices, installed a new package of equipment at Demelza’s site in Eltham last week.

The charity is currently celebrating its 25^th year and has been a supporter of Demelza throughout that time. Demelza was the first organisation to receive equipment from Lifelites back in September 1999.

The latest equipment donated included an eyegaze machine, a tilt and touch table and a sensory tent. Staff from Lifelites spent a few days on site training the Demelza team on how to use the new equipment and there were also some children there who had the chance to have a go.

An eyegaze uses eye tracking technology, empowering children to take control and make life-changing connections and communicating with their families.

The tilt and touch table has a large multi-touch screen which allows children to take control, explore the world, play interactive games, paint and draw. It enables them to interact with their siblings, learn and play.

The sensory tent is portable and can easily be used in a child's home. Different themes can be applied, creating a different environment each time, from play areas to chill-out zones to safe spaces for reducing anxiety.

The latest equipment was provided to Demelza thanks to funders who support Lifelites, including Maria Sanchez, founder of Treehouse Nurseries and Lifelites ambassador, and the FB Coales Family Trust.

Demelza Healthcare Assistant, Carol Ingrams, said: “All the staff at Demelza are so grateful to Lifelites for all this amazing equipment.

“It enables our children to have access to state-of-the art technology, helping them play and communicate in ways that best suit them.

“Not only can they use the equipment at the hospice but it can be taken into the home so they can access it where needed.”

Lifelites CEO, Rob Lightfoot, said: “Lifelites is delighted to continue our partnership with Demelza SEL and provide a new package of innovative sensory and assistive technology, specialist training and technical support.

“With 25 years’ experience, we know that this inclusive technology 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 that our support continues to help the team at Demelza enhance the wonderful care they provide and enable children and families to create many joyful memories together.”