Children at a West Midlands hospice can now enjoy watching TV and playing games on ceiling screens, thanks to a collaboration between companies in the area.
Acorns in the Black Country, based in Walsall, cares for youngsters with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions from across the Midlands region.
Many of the children and young people the charity cares for have limited movement, so the ceiling screens enable them to access entertainment easily from the comfort of their beds, in a way not previously possible.
The screens were supplied by Camelott Digital Solutions, based in Telford.
Vicki Rowles, Director of Fundraising at Acorns, said: “We are so grateful to Camelott Digital Solutions for providing these fantastic screens. The technology is wonderful and allows the children we care for to access a range of amazing interactive and multi-sensory features.
“At Acorns we work hard to make our hospices the special places they are, where children can take part in all the things children love to do, regardless of ability. These screens are a brilliant addition to our hospice and one that will really enhance the experience of the children who visit.”
The screens can be used by children and families in a host of different ways – watching TV and films, playing interactive games or even experiencing relaxing and multisensory visuals – tailored to the individual needs of each child.
The Black Country hospice has recently undergone a £2 million refurbishment, transforming the much-loved facility for the 200 children and their families that use it every year. The screens were a key part of the refurb work, which has included completely modernised bedrooms, corridors, reception and dining room.
Camelott’s commercial director John Ellis said: “We supplied eight screens as well as two interactive screens incorporated into tables on wheels.
“When we heard Acorns was looking for something like this we were only too pleased to be able to help and we hope these screens really make a difference to these children’s lives.”
Camelott was introduced to Acorns by Ian Bradley of Bion Electrical, a Wombourne-based company which was already working with Acorns on the refurbishment of its Walsall site.
Mr Bradley said: “We knew Acorns were looking at these screens and we put them in touch with John at Camelott, who came up with a package that gave a big cost saving.
“We are glad we were able to help and this is a great example of how companies can work together to help each other and the wider community.”
The screens were supplied by the display solutions specialist Melford Technologies, based in Buckinghamshire. MD Steve Osborne said: “We are delighted to be part of the Acorns project. It’s great to see our technologies being used to bring enjoyment and relaxation to the children living in the hospice.”
