“Spreading joy and laughter where there is a lack of it”
Who we are
Zdravotní klaun (Health Clown) is a charitable organisation that has been helping mainly children, but also geriatric patients, to go through the treatment process with a smile since 2001. The mission of Zdravotní klaun is to bring joy, good humour and, above all, hope to places where there is a shortage of these things. These are mainly children's hospital rooms, specialised outpatient clinics and households caring for seriously ill children.
The aim of Zdravotní klaun is to reduce stress not only for young patients, but also for their parents and relatives, as well as to improve the quality of life for seniors in geriatric facilities and, last but not least, to break the stereotype of medical staff themselves.
There are currently 94 professional Health Clowns in the Czech Republic who regularly visit 64 hospitals, 11 retirement homes and 1 hospice.
Zdravotní klaun is part of the multinational RED NOSES International (RNI) movement and is the only organisation from the Czech Republic that is also a member of the international European Federation of Hospital Clowning Organisations (EFHCO).
What do Health Clowns do?
Health clowns spread joy and laughter, especially to sick children, but also to lonely seniors, medical staff and their loved ones. Since 2001, they have been changing the atmosphere in children's wards, specialised medical facilities, retirement homes, hospices and households caring for seriously ill children.
Specially trained Health Clowns have a positive effect on the mental well-being of children and adults, thus contributing to the improvement of their overall health. Their programmes for children, seniors and adults complement medical procedures and encourage patients of all ages to take an active approach to life and think positively.
The Health Clown organisation is also involved in education in the field of innovative methods and approaches that can be used in environments with increased stress factors. That is why its experts regularly train medical staff and medical students.
Zdravotní klaun also cooperates with other organisations that have the same or similar goals and missions, whether at the national or international level. Together, they exchange information, know-how and support.
Zdravotní klaun recognises the importance of protecting children and vulnerable persons both within the organisation and in the context of external partners. We do not tolerate any form of violence, abuse, neglect or exploitation. The protection of children and vulnerable persons is our highest priority, which is why we adhere to the Principles for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Persons.
Why Health Clown?
A stay in hospital is certainly not pleasant for anyone, and this is doubly true for children. Fear of the unknown, unfamiliar surroundings, pain and loneliness have a major impact on the psyche and overall well-being of young patients. In addition, some parents are unable to accompany their children in hospital for various reasons. Professional medical clowns, armed with natural empathy, musical talent and extraordinary improvisational skills, therefore set out on their mission to hospitals to cheer up, entertain and delight young and old alike. The organisation offers the largest number of programmes for children.
Age may be just a number, but old age is as much a part of life as childhood. Many seniors struggle with health problems. Some are even unable to remain in home care. Many of them spend their twilight years confined to the walls of nursing homes. By visiting these homes, the Health Clowns break the daily routine so that every day is not the same. They infuse the elderly with new energy and zest for life.
Professional Health Clowns adapt to the needs of each individual. Each visit is based on the present moment. Everything is based on improvisation, empathy and the "here and now" moment. Each encounter is new, unique and unrepeatable.
Professional Health Clowns know how to work precisely with the mood, age and needs of each individual. They sense who wants to play, who wants to talk, who wants to listen to songs or sing along with the clowns. Being a healthcare clown is, without exaggeration, the greatest role in life. It may not earn you a golden statue, but it does earn you the smiles of those who may not feel like laughing. And that is clearly the greatest reward of all.
Organisational values
Our values are the compass that guides us in our daily work – with children, families and healthcare professionals. Joy, respect, truthfulness, courage, creativity, responsibility and excellence are not just words for us, but principles by which we live and work. Thanks to them, we bring laughter and lightness even to difficult situations, while strengthening trust and hope. We share these values with the international RED NOSES family, and they help us bring more humanity and joy where it is most needed.
Founder of the organisation
It was 1998 when American visionary, actor and musician Gary Alven Edwards saw an opportunity and began to intensively weave plans in the Czech Republic, which in 2001 resulted in the founding of the non-profit organisation Zdravotní klaun (Health Clown).
Gary Edwards first tried his hand at clowning in 1976. After studying music in California, he received a scholarship to the first American accredited clown school, the Dell Arte School of Physical Theatre. Since then, he has been helping to develop hospital clowning projects around the world.
For the first three years of the association's existence, Edwards financed the project from his own savings, performed at medical conferences and led a dialogue with the Czech healthcare system about the importance of humour in hospitals. He personally held the position of artistic director (until 2011) and executive director (until 2013). In 2012, at the suggestion of the Czech Paediatric Society, he was awarded a medal by the J. E. Purkyně Czech Medical Society for his long-term and significant contribution to healthcare.
He is currently the chairman of the board of directors of Zdravotní klaun (Health Clown) and a consultant for the international organisation Red Noses International. In his free time, he composes music.
Red Noses International
Health Clown has been an active partner of the international organisation Red Noses International (RNI) for many years. Together with other artistic organisations in the RNI network, it shares the values and vision of bringing humour and laughter to people who need joy and hope.
RNI is currently one of the largest groups of healthcare clowns in the world, with partner organisations in 11 countries. Its task is to build, monitor and support these individual partner organisations while developing and maintaining high ethical and artistic standards for the entire group.