Hearts & Minds Healthcare Clowns Group
Photo: Ben Winger
Real Moments of Joy & Connection

Your Stories

Inspiring and heartfelt stories about the people we visit across Scottish hospitals, care homes, and schools.

  • Feel the difference a visit from our Healthcare Clowns can make
  • Get insight into the therapeutic techniques and skills we use
  • Hear from the children, families, residents and NHS/care staff
Teddy Clowndoctor Story

Teddy

“The Clowndoctors brought instant sunshine and smiles to Teddy when he needed it most.”

Ronan McMahon shares his experience of a visit at Rachel House in 2024 between Dr Biscuit, Dr Spritely and Teddy, providing insight into what the Clowndoctors do during a visit.

Jack’s Story Clowndoctor Story

Jack’s Story

“Jack smiled and reached out to flip the clown’s red nose—belly-laughing as the room erupted in joy.”

At Rachel House, 17-year-old Jack took centre stage with Dr Spritely and Dr Squash, flipping clown noses and erupting in belly laughs during a visit filled with music and joy.

Bill’s Story Elderflower Story

Bill’s Story

“Bill was standing quietly watching. As Dippsy danced and Lily played, Bill joined in, word for word.”

Dippsy Elderflower reflects on the magic of therapeutic clowning, presence, and shared song with Bill at Findlay House.

Dr Spritely at Fairview School Clowndoctor Story

Dr Spritely at Fairview School

“Sound signifiers, tickly chickens and buzzy bees created wonderful moments of connection for our pupils.”

Dr Spritely shares how sensory play, tickly chickens, and sound signifiers built wonderful connections with learners with complex additional support needs at Fairview School in Perth.

Robbie Clowndoctor Story

Robbie

“Robbie’s face lit up when Dr McFlea and Dr Cous Cous entered the room with their ukulele.”

The Clowndoctors visited Robbie over many years at the Royal Blind School and in hospital, sharing slapstick, big laughs, and his trademark "Boo!".

Logan Clowndoctor Story

Logan

“Logan was anxious, but within minutes he was giggling and in complete control of the clowns.”

Logan, who is registered blind with complex needs, received a personalized musical video message from Dr Cous Cous to keep smiles going during lockdown.

Ryan Clowndoctor Story

Ryan

“A virtual visit that brought immense cheer, song and personal connection straight home.”

Eight-year-old Ryan received a special personalized video message from Dr GoGo featuring his favourite things—Formula One and George Ezra—bringing cheer to his hospital stay.

Jacob Clowndoctor Story

Jacob

“Jacob enjoyed laughter and pure fun with the Clowndoctors during home visits.”

Nine-year-old Jacob, who has complex needs, enjoys joyful virtual visits at home with his favourite Clowndoctors through the Clowndoctor on Call programme.

A red nose is the perfect distraction Clowndoctor Story

A red nose is the perfect distraction

“A silly red nose and gentle slapstick completely took away the fear of the hospital ward.”

At Glasgow Children’s Hospital, the Clowndoctors used bubbles, music, and gentle clowning to distract 18-month-old Daniel before surgery, bringing relief to the whole family.

Sharing moments and memories Elderflower Story

Sharing moments and memories

“Connecting deeply with care home residents through vintage Scottish melodies and warm friendship.”

At Borders General Hospital, Elderflowers spent time with a gentleman sharing and reminiscing over his treasured family photographs.

A Very Happy Birthday Girl Elderflower Story

A Very Happy Birthday Girl

“Celebrating a 90th birthday in a care home with songs, laughter, and red noses.”

Lily and Dippsy Elderflower helped celebrate Joan’s birthday in her care home with clarinet melodies, dancing, and heartfelt personalized postcards.

Shaking things up with a smile. Clowndoctor Story

Shaking things up with a smile.

“Music, sensory rhythm and gentle clowning brought smiles and participation to the classroom.”

Dr Squash and Dr Wallop connected with a young girl with complex needs through interactive shaker games, gentle ukulele tunes, and playful laughter.

Blue Moon brings out smiles in the Borders Elderflower Story

Blue Moon brings out smiles in the Borders

“Classic songs and gentle reminiscence sparked laughter and memories across the Scottish Borders.”

At Borders General Hospital, Skip and Dippsy brought warmth and comfort to a resident through a gentle rendition of the classic song "Blue Moon".

Let's make every day a Clowndoctor day

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Thanks to the organisations who support our work

Creative Scotland
EFHCO European Federation of Healthcare Clown Organizations
People's Postcode Lottery
Bilderlings
Mickel Fund
Emma Cameron Foundation
The Barcapel Foundation
Bank of Scotland Foundation
Cattanach Trust
The National Lottery Community Fund
Agnes Hunter Trust
The RS Macdonald Charitable Trust
The Gannochy Trust
The Schreier Foundation
Christina Mary Hendrie Trust
King Charles III Charitable Fund
AEB Charitable Trust
NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation
Hays Travel Foundation
Keegan & Pennykid
WCT Master Trust
The Commonweal Fund
Walter Scott
Nettl of Edinburgh