Champion Spotlight: Jackie Reeves

Lifelites caught up with one of our Champions, Jackie Reeves, member of the Hospice Play Team at Rainbows Hospice for Babies, Children and Young People, to find out more about her work and how she uses Lifelites technology with the children and family she supports.

How long have you been working at Rainbows?

9 years.

What’s the best part of your role?

I love being able to give the whole family opportunities to join in, play and have fun together, enabling them to be a family rather than caregivers, and creating precious memories.

What’s the most challenging part of your role?

We develop unique relationships with each family. As the child reaches the end of their life it can be emotionally challenging, but because of the relationships we build, also rewarding, as we are able to continue to support the families through this time.

How long have you been a Lifelites Champion?

I have been working with Lifelites equipment since 2018.

What is your favourite piece(s) of Lifelites technology and why?

I love the magic carpet and seeing the reactions of the children as they realise their actions are having an effect on what is happening.

It has so many themes and can be used with all abilities. Siblings also love it, the football game is a favourite and can provide a great outlet for them, giving them a physical way to get rid of pent up energy and help them manage their emotions in difficult times.

How does Lifelites technology enhance or transform the experience for the children who use your service?

Using Lifelites equipment gives us a way of bringing experiences to life for our children, and enables us to adapt our activities, making them accessible for all.

Do you or your colleagues have any unique, innovative or fun ways of using Lifelites’ technology?

We use the PODs and magic carpet in our multi-sensory room to provide themed activities for our babies, children, and young people, for example, we have travelled to space, been on a snowy sled ride, and had days out at the beach or on safari, all without leaving the hospice, providing opportunities for them to have experiences they would otherwise not be able to have.

What advice or tips would you offer other Champions who may be new to the role?

Access all the training that Lifelites offers, and play with the equipment yourself to become familiar with it.

We have found that by involving the staff on the care team in the training too, it gives them the confidence to use the equipment when the play team is not available, so more children will have the opportunity to use it.

Any other comments about Lifelites and the technology you would like to share?

We are so grateful for the opportunity to be able to use Lifelites equipment in our Hospice. It enhance the experiences of our children daily and makes a huge difference to the activities we are able to provide.