Fondazione Lene Thun Onlus

Foundation Lene Thun is the first ONLUS in Italy that offers a free recreational therapy service through clay modelling. It is mainly active at pediatric cancer wards and is the first one in Italy in terms of diffusion.

Launched in 2014,its free service, being a real psychological support for children and their families during medical treatments, is offered to kids of 21 Hospitals through 38 Permanent Workoshops with the help of more than 500 volunteers. In 2017, 9.000 kids have benefited from ceramic modelling and the relief it donates.

“Days at the hospital can be complicated for different reasons, especially emotionally...today, for example, was one of those difficult days during which the recreational therapy workshop means a lot. It helps me and my daughter finding a bit of happiness again. She has the chance to escape from her room with her mind and I can see her smiling. This is the only thing that matters to me." (Olivia, Gioia’s mum)

With the help of a Scientific Committee, Clay-Therapy is becoming a validated method. Indeed, it is going to be demonstrated that it is a real support to drug therapies helping in stimulating the healthy part of kids as well as socialization and play. To grant the best life-quality possible, in a child’s life those aspects should never miss, especially when in the hospital.

In addition to Permanent Workshops, the Foundation offers also some Special ones. They are intensive and time-limited workshops, offered in particular structures or conditions, like in regions devastated by the earthquake.