
#schongenial: What motivated you to get involved with the CliniClowns?
Uwe Marschner: I was involved in looking after a children's theatre group. The children were so enthusiastic that I asked the CliniClowns whether we could also perform in retirement homes. Their response was: "Thank you for your application." That was the start. It's still fun today and it helps!
#schongenial: How do you experience the effect of the CliniClowns on patients and their environment?
Uwe Marschner: Where we are welcome, we can work wonders. The daughter of a 96-year-old once said to us: "It's so good to be able to laugh together." But it's not just about laughing - we bring emotions into the room. Even on palliative care wards, we create moments that distract patients and take them out of their pain.
#schongenial: Is there an experience that you particularly remember?
Uwe Marschner: One of many: We visited a father who was no longer able to attend his daughter's wedding. The clowns first danced alone, then with the engaged couple. The father couldn't speak, but his eyes revealed that this moment meant a lot to him. These are unforgettable moments.
#schongenial: How many CliniClowns are there and how are they selected?
Uwe Marschner: We currently have 30 active CliniClowns, with three more in training. We find people with empathy, a talent for improvisation and the courage to get involved with others. The admission process consists of a clown workshop where we scrutinise the applicants.
#schongenial: What challenges do you face in everyday hospital life?
Uwe Marschner: The biggest challenge is sometimes a negative reaction from patients who are unable to accept us due to their bad mood. But we prepare ourselves well, talk to the staff and reflect after the visits.
#schongenial: How is the impact of the CliniClowns measured?
Uwe Marschner: An evaluation was carried out in 2004. There are also regular feedback sessions with the artistic director and the staff. We often see the effect directly - for example, a care home manager told us that less medication was needed after our visits.
#schongenial: What future plans do the CliniClowns have?
Uwe Marschner: Every child and every person in need of care should have a CliniClown. We are already active in some nursing homes, but not yet in all of them. I hope that we can reach even more facilities and continue to have a positive impact on people.
#schongenial: How can people support the CliniClowns?
Uwe Marschner: You can volunteer to help us at events, make a donation or spread the word about our work. Every contribution helps! We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of our sponsors, such as Sparkasse Oberösterreich and Uniqa Oberösterreich.
#schongenial: Thank you for the interview, it is part of our self-image to make positive things visible and aware. The personal commitment of you and all CliniClowns is a wonderful contribution to society. A big thank you for that too!