The Sydney Swans teamed up with Redkite to visit children at the Royal Children's Hospital in Randwick this week.
The visit coincided with Paediatric Music Therapy Week, a week that celebrates the incredible difference music therapy makes to children’s healthcare journeys. Our charity partner Redkite proudly funds music therapists in children’s cancer wards across Australia.
Sydney players Harry Cunningham, Tom Papley, Isaac Heeney, Alana Woodward and Kiara Beesley joined the Redkite-funded music therapist Matt Ralph to take part in the session which was also streamed on televisions throughout the hospital.
It was the first time the club had been able to visit the hospital for over two years due to the pandemic, with recent sessions that long-standing Redkite ambassador Harry Cunningham had been involved in occurring via Zoom.
"We feel very lucky and grateful to be here visiting the kids, having some fun and giving back to the kids, the volunteers and workers here at the hospital," Cunningham said.
"The work that Matt (Rekite's music therapist) and the other therapists do is so important and helps gives the kids an enjoyable activity to support them during their or their family members' treatment. It was really nice to hear the kids in full voice today singing 'Cheer Cheer'."
The session was also the first opportunity for our new AFLW team members to be involved with charity partner Redkite and inaugural AFLW team member Alana Woodward said it was a very memorable and emotional experience to be part of.
“To see firsthand the incredible work that Redkite does to support the kids and their families during a really difficult period of their lives was really special," Woodward said.
"We were lucky enough to help put a smile on their faces for a short time during our visit through the music therapy. It's also important to note the ongoing financial, emotional and educational support that Redkite provide, that makes such difference too.”
Music Therapy Information:
-Music therapy is a research based practice used to actively support children during their cancer treatment.
-69% of children said music therapy made them feel less anxious.
-79% of children said music therapy made them feel less alone.
-Music therapy gives children and young people an enjoyable, supportive and creative environment where they can express themselves. It helps them to regain a sense of control and stimulate important areas of growth and development.
-To learn more about music therapy, visit Redkite's website.
