New assistive tech transforms life-limited children’s lives at Devonshire hospice

Thanks to support from the Freemasons of Devonshire, children’s charity Lifelites has donated a brand-new bespoke package of life-changing assistive technology worth tens of thousands of pounds for life-limited and disabled children using the services of Little Bridge House children’s hospice.

With this assistive technology package, the children will have the chance to communicate their wishes and fears and connect with their loved ones.

The donation will cost Lifelites around £50,000 over its four-year life cycle and includes all the special technology, training for hospice staff on how to get the most out of it with the children that they work with, and technical support to keep it all in good working order for the hospice users.

The Tilt and Touch Table is one of the pieces of equipment Lifelites has donated and one of the latest additions to the Lifelites technology package. Thanks to a large touch screen that can be moved up and down and tilted, every child can paint, play, and control something for themselves.

Eddie Farwell, Chief Executive of Little Bridge House Children’s Hospice, commented: “I am no understander of technology but I do understand the great benefits it has for our children and young people who don’t have the communication skills that most of us are able to enjoy, and it is a major enhancer to their quality of life.

“A huge thanks to Lifelites for all the support, and all the love and care you give us. You enable us to bring ability and great experiences for not only unwell children but also their siblings and parents so they can enjoy quality time together.”

Lifelites has also donated a special portable bundle of technology, known as the Tech Trunk. The Tech Trunk can travel to wherever the children are, whether that is in their own home or in hospital. It includes accessible gaming equipment such as the PlayStation and Xbox with accessible controllers, so every child can play with their friends, brothers, and sisters.

The virtual reality bundle gives children a chance to go on adventures, such as walking on a beach, sitting around a campfire, or flying over Paris.

Simone Enefer-Doy, Chief Executive of Lifelites, said: “Following a difficult year, Lifelites is delighted to be able to donate a package of magical technology for the children and young people using the services of Little Bridge House children’s hospice.

“The Lifelites-donated equipment is often specially adapted and accessible for use by anyone, irrespective of any physical restrictions they may have. We know that every second counts for these children and their families, so all the Lifelites-donated technology is mobile which means it can reach every child, wherever they are in the hospice – even if they can’t get out of bed – as well as in the children’s own homes.

“We couldn’t have provided this package if it wasn’t for the generosity of our supporters, including the freemasons of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Devonshire, so for this we are incredibly grateful.”

Lifelites has been donating assistive equipment and services for children using every children’s hospice across the British Isles for the past 21 years.