30 September 2023
Magic Coat Foundation: Making a Difference, One Child at a Time
Hello and welcome to The Magic Coat Foundation. Our mission is simple and powerful: to help as many children as we possibly can on their journey to better mental well-being. We believe that every child deserves a chance to experience happiness, resilience, and a brighter future.
The Power of Collaboration
One of the secrets to our success lies in the magic of collaboration. We have been fortunate to partner with some incredible organisations and institutions that share our commitment to children’s well-being. These partnerships allow us to make a significant impact in the lives of vulnerable children and their families.
Let us introduce you to a few of our amazing partners
Perth Children’s Hospital Research Project: We are working with Perth Children’s Hospital to research the efficacy of The Magic Coat in reducing the anxiety associated with going into surgery.
An app has been developed to show children what to expect on their surgical journey along with simple and effective strategies taught by the Magic Coat characters to help children manage big feelings. We hope to develop further resources and assist children across the many different departments in the hospital.
Ronald McDonald House Training and Support: The Magic Coat Foundation was contacted by the WA chapter of Ronald McDonald House to see what could be done to assist with the mental health and wellbeing of the children and families living in the house.
Ronald McDonald loved what Magic Coat has to offer, so a partnership has formed.
Di Wilcox has conducted training workshops with staff and volunteers and has developed some resources specifically for the children in the Ronald McDonald House.
Breast Cancer Care WA Training and Support: When the Foundation heard that there was little to no support for children whose mothers had been diagnosed with breast cancer, we reached out to help. Di Wilcox has run several focus groups with counsellors, nurses and breast cancer support worker, as well as women going through treatments to understand what support the children need.
Having assess the need, Di has written a book specifically for these children to help them understand what lies ahead and what strategies they can use to manage their own mental health and wellbeing during this time.
The Magic Coat Foundation also offer three one on one sessions at no charge to children referred by Breast Cancer Care WA.
University of WA Research Project: In order for The Magic Coat program to grow and support as many children as possible, university research is imperative to demonstrate the efficacy of the program.
This year the Foundation has started running sessions at the University of Western Australia with children between the ages of 7-11 to collect the data needed for this research.
Children and parents are already speaking of the benefits they are experiencing from the project. The university is now looking at establishing The Magic Coat as a regular program in the Psychology Faculty run by students and made available free of charge to the children of Western Australia.
Magic Heart for Ukraine Project: The Foundation has created The Magic Heart Project to help the children of the Ukraine by providing more books, as well as helping children by empowering them with something to do that makes a real difference.
So far 20,000 copies of The Magic Coat for Ukraine have been printed and distributed, however, the Foundation is receiving requests for more copies every day.
While the people of Ukraine have been devastated by this war, the feeling of fear is also being felt by children all around the world as they watch helplessly at what is happening to these innocent people.
Indigenous Australian Program: After running workshops in Meekatharra, Broome, Mt Magnet, Cue, Carnarvon and in the Great Southern, the Foundation realised there is a need for a specific book for Indigenous children.
Di Wilcox, Founder and CEO of The Magic Coat Foundation, reached out to Michelle McAullay, General Manager of BOAB and descendent of the Yamitji Nanda people to help. They approached Indigenous artist Kevin Bynder to do the illustrations and together Di, Michelle, Kevin and Magic Coat partner Egg Design, created the first Magic Coat Book for Indigenous children.
The aim of the project is that young Aboriginal people between the ages of 18-25 years of the community school teachers can be trained in the delivery of The Magic Coat program and teach the young children in their own communities.
Joining Our Cause
Now, the most magical part is that you can be a part of this wonderful journey. If you’re passionate about making a difference and want to support or partner with the Magic Coat Foundation, we welcome your involvement. Whether you represent an organisation, institution, or you’re an individual who shares our vision for a brighter future for children, you can make a meaningful contribution. Just click here for more information on how you can get involved.
In a world where children’s mental well-being is of paramount importance, the Magic Coat Foundation stands as a beacon of hope. Our collaborative approach with these incredible partners ensures that children facing vulnerability have access to the mental health support they need to thrive. Together, we can create a world where every child has a chance at a brighter, more promising future. Thank you for joining us on this magical journey!
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