For many the word “clown” conjures up spooky images from a Stephen King movie.
Not so for staff, patients and family members at Taranaki Base Hospital who share the wards with a very different type of clown – a Care Clown.
Wayne Annand aka CJ the Clown is a volunteer at the Hospital spending many hours with patients and staff offering a kind, caring listening ear along with crafting hundreds of balloon creations.
“Finding out about Care Clowning drastically changed my life. It is the perfect fit for me. You can paint a clown smile on but the clown still has to come from within.”
Over the past eight years it has allowed Wayne’s quiet demeanour and mischievous personality to shine. Added to this is his huge compassion to comfort, distract and relax children and adults alike developing into an amazing resource.
“It took me a long time to become a clown. The clown is in you, it has to be, otherwise you can’t do it, but it took me a long time to bring that character out.
“Care clowning changed me from being an entertainer at parties to just wanting to be a care clown.”
“I donate my time and skills because if you really enjoy something and it means a lot to you as a person why wouldn’t you do it for free.
Christmas 2013 was extra special for CJ has he appeared on TV One Good Sorts Show presented by Hadyn Jones for his volunteer role as a Care Clown at Taranaki Base Hospital.
“It was a total surprise as the staff had organised it right back in January 2013. They had not told me about it until a week before filming as they knew I would not have gone with it. Unfortunately it was too far down the track being booked in with tv ones programme for me not to do it. I was very humbled to be nominated and extremely honoured to be chosen.”
Over the last three years CJ the Clown’s presence on the wards has proven to be a great success for the joy and compassion he shares.
Paediatrician Daniele LonChamp says when CJ meets the children he mirrors their emotions. If the children are sad CJ is sad and if the children are happy so is CJ.
“Many of them don’t want to be here. They’re sick and miserable and miss their home. By showing empathy opposed to “clowning” around CJ is able to connect with everyone allowing them to relax and be calm.”
Initially some staff thought having a clown on the ward would upset the routine until they understood how CJ the Clown worked.
“Patients and staff look forward to the arrival of CJ. We would like to clone and multiply him.
“There is very much a team concept here. We all bring our own expertise and work well together as everybody fits into their role within the team.”
CJ adds “Sometimes you just walk in and have a feeling that they are having a bad day. By spending a bit of time with the staff you are then able to understand what have been the issues of the day. You really become a part of an awesome team and share what they are going through.”
“It’s working with people that believe in what I’m doing. Honestly they took the concept on about what I do and they believed in it and then ran with it. It is them that have the openness for me to be a part of their team. They support me 100% and that is fantastic.”
Play Specialist Sharon Luque says that due to CJ’s minimal makeup he doesn’t come across scary.
“You can actually see his face and know he is a man. The way he speaks with a very soft gentle voice that is non-intrusive makes him very approachable.
“He is just so good with the children and staff. He brightens up the ward as he comes in. Everyone’s personalities just change. It’s wonderful to see the children’s smiling faces when he visits them.
“CJ will go into a room knowing the situation and he will drop his emotional level to be respectful and sensitive. He is very conscious of the emotional wellbeing of everyone in the room. He is very calm, quiet and there are no loud noises on the ward.”
Looking back at his very first birthday party appearance as a clown CJ vividly remembers he was more petrified than the children.
“In the beginning, most times I wished I could have run a million miles away instead of clowning. After a period of time the clown suit and face began to fit.”
“After discovering clowning did fit, I thought I can’t get out of this so if I’m going to be a clown I might as well do it properly. I went over to the United States and got the training. That’s when I found out about Care Clowning.”
CJ has an expensive hobby importing special balloons, clown accessories and props at his own cost. The income gained from his parties is quickly spent on his volunteer work at the children’s ward at Taranaki Base Hospital.
“I still clown and do parties because that funds me coming in here. I enjoy being a clown because of the happiness and benefits it gives to children and adults alike.
“Take it from a clown, everything is way more fun when you are smiling!”
You can contact CJ the Care Clown at www.cjtheclown.co.nz to book an appearance or to offer sponsorship towards his volunteer work at Taranaki Base Hospital.