In Hospital Overview
For many children, the first step on their Helium journey begins in the hospital waiting room. Our “Create While You Wait” programme transforms hospital visits by bringing colour, imagination, and creativity into the clinic.
Children and families can sometimes feel anxious or nervous about attending hospital appointments. Our professional artists help ease that experience by designing bespoke creative activities and engaging with outpatients in the waiting room. What begins as a simple activity — drawing, designing, storytelling, or making something new — often sparks joy, connection, and confidence, and leads families onwards to the next stage of their Helium journey.
Activities include drawing, zine-making, colouring, doodling, painting, collage, storytelling, designing, origami, puppet-making, and more.
What is Create While You Wait?
- A free, hospital-based programme bringing age-appropriate creative activities to Paediatric Outpatient Clinics.
- Led by professional Helium artists, who work closely with hospital staff.
- Activities include drawing, colouring, doodling, painting, collage, storytelling, origami, puppet-making, and more.
- Designed to ease anxiety, lift moods, and create positive experiences in the hospital setting.
Children who take part can be connected with our regular community and online workshops — in a local venue or from home — so their creative journey continues beyond the hospital.
Why It Matters
Creative arts can transform the hospital experience:
- 93% of children and teenagers said they felt happier going to hospital.
- 100% of parents reported their child’s mood was positively impacted.
- 96% of medical professionals reported that their experience of delivering healthcare to children with long-term physical health conditions was positively impacted
“The children light up when they see the artist and the hall full of arts and crafts. It takes the anxiety away from the clinic and makes the waiting enjoyable.”
Keep an eye out for the Helium artists in their bright yellow t-shirts at your next appointment and get creating!
Where You’ll Find Us
- Cork University Hospital – Artist: Ashleigh Ellis
- University Hospital Galway – Artist: Yvonne Cullivan
- University Hospital Limerick – Artist: Chelsea Canavan
- Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) at Connolly, Blanchardstown – Artist: Peggie McKeon (in partnership with the CHI Arts in Health Programme)
- Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) at Tallaght – Artist: Peggie McKeon (in partnership with the CHI Arts in Health Programme)
- St Luke's General Hospital, Kilkenny– Artist: Paul Bokslag
- Mayo University Hospital – Artist: Tom Meskell
Volunteering Opportunities
We have a number of work placement / volunteering opportunities in our Outpatients Hospital Programme. By supporting children and families in the waiting room, you can help bring colour, creativity, and joy into the hospital experience.
For more information, email us at volunteer@helium.ie
