Dear all,

I am returning to ‘Hope Home’ an orphanage in North Thailand for children with learning disabilities to create a sensory room. I am hoping you could spare some beer/ wine/ dinner/ clothing cash or fundraise so that they could have a bit extra, to raise a little extra hope and joy for the amazing staff and children. Let me tell you just a little…….

Helen and Yoot, Hope Home 2013

Hope Home was founded in 2007 by Judy Cook a missionary nurse from the UK, providing a support network and respite to families caring for a child with a physical or intellectual disability within the local community. They provide residential accommodation for children with a disability who are orphaned or abandoned, until they are fostered long-term or adopted with a loving family.

Phil enjoying Bob Marley ‘cos every little thing’s gonna be alright’

I spent time at this home whilst volunteering for Art Relief International, Cultural Canvas in Chiang Mai. I fell for all that this home represents, it’s staff, it’s children, it’s approach. The reason being that whilst they need ongoing support in order to survive, this home is a home in the truest sense of the word, for these children are truly loved.

Sarah and Yoot

This room would provide a space where tense, painful bodies and over stimulated minds can relax, maybe even have a snooze! It acts as therapy for children with limited communication, it can improve communication skills. It promotes well being and improves mental health, we all now how good we feel when we relax!

A child who takes no joy from basic human needs such as touch and food could potentially find some joy, or a child who already smiles most of the time would smile even more. Priceless!!

Helen and Joy

It doesn’t need to be all the highest technology, I ran a workshop in which a group of volunteers with head torches, coloured paper and music managed to create a wonderful relaxing space, but we can’t always be there.

The room already exists it just needs first a lick of paint. I know just the woman, with the help of some friends from Art Relief, Cultural Canvas

Hope Home Aug 2013

Sarah and I painted one of the bedroom whilst we were there in August just to give you a little example of our handy work.

To start I am looking to buy a projector to send images around the room.

See those whales, that’s what I am chatting about…..and you can change the pictures depending on what each child enjoys.

For those of you who have already read any of my blog and who have put up with the ‘buts’ when  I mean ‘bits’ and ‘Chaing’ when I mean ‘Chiang’ will know that whilst you will have to excuse my slight difficulties with writing, what I can offer in return is a crazy open hearted, honest, update on where you pennies are going and on how the children and staff respond.

I will let you know about the story of Joy a little girl who began life in the yellow leaf tribe, with little chance of survival, who now lights up the hearts of any who meet her. Of where you can buy the most amazing hammocks to support tribal communities to thrive and grow. I will let you know the truth, some of it not so great, but why whilst we have to look out for our own it doesn’t hurt to also open our eyes further a field, as there is so much we can do with so very little.

Helen and Tahli with Boonrot, he joined the angels the following morning

For a beer’s worth I can hand paint your name around a star, for more you could end up with your name around the moon, a little something that says to the staff and children you were thinking about them.

A huge part of Thai culture is to have fun, ‘sanuk‘ 

Do you have any amazing fundraising ideas that could create some fun at the same time? Take some pictures and tell us about what you do, we will post it on our website.

For details on what the money will fund and how to donate visit…..

With hindsight I should have asked you to sponsor me to get a tattoo…

To have hope we have joy, to have joy we have hope, please pass it on.

xXx