Buddington the Therapeutic Clown
The IWK Therapeutic Clown Program
Buddington the Therapeutic Clown lives at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The IWK provides care to women, children, youth and families in the Maritime provinces and beyond. The Therapeutic Clown program began at the IWK in June 2006 as a part-time program funded by Therapeutic Clowns Canada (TCC). Due to the success of the part-time program, it turned full-time in April 2008. The IWK Therapeutic Clown Program is currently funded by remaining dollars from the TCC start-up grant and by generous donations to the IWK Foundation.
As part of the IWK Child Life Program, Buddington serves the needs of patients on the IWK's four
pediatric inpatient units. He can also be found interacting with patients, families and staff in
hallways, elevators, activity areas, and other common areas of the Health Centre, as well as outpatient
clinics upon request. With a commitment to family-centred care, Buddington offers children, youth,
families, and staff the opportunity to play and laugh in a manner that is gentle, inclusive, and
sensitive to the Health Centre environment. Buddington is trained to adjust his approach according to
the developmental, emotional, and physical needs and abilities of the child or youth he is interacting
with.
How Buddington the Clown Helps
Therapeutic Play and Developmental Support - As play and laughter are essential parts of physical,
cognitive, social and emotional development, Buddington provides children and youth with opportunities
for therapeutic play to help them achieve their developmental potential.
Therapeutic relationships - Buddington is a special "clown friend" that children and youth can rely on for positive, non-judgmental, gentle fun.
Normalization - Buddington helps to normalize the Health Centre experience for children, youth, and families, by providing distraction from medical issues and concerns, and allowing them an opportunity to laugh and play together.
Empowerment - Buddington is often shy around others and knows very little about most things. As
children and youth teach and reassure Buddington, they become leaders, teachers, and nurturers. This
contributes to the child or youth's development of positive self-regard and a sense of mastery over
his or her environment.
Buddington empowers children and youth by ALWAYS asking to enter a room, and ALWAYS asking for permission to engage in any activity.
Procedural Support - When appropriate, Buddington provides distraction during medical procedures.
About Buddington
Hi! My name is Buddington. I live at the IWK Health Centre in the city of Happyfax in the province of Nosey Scotia in the country of Clownada. I have lots of friends at the IWK Health Centre. We play games and blow bubbles and sing songs and make things and do magic tricks together. My friends are awesome!I am happy that you are reading about me on the compooper. Can we play sometime?