Our mission

Decors adapted to medicals needs

The Paint a Smile Foundation is a non-profit NGO (nongovernmental organisation). Based in Geneva, the Paint a Smile Foundation is recognised as being in the public interest. Its mission is to optimise stays in healthcare environments thanks to its colourful paintings and installations specifically designed for such places. It uses its expertise and professionalism to the benefit of hospitalised children, disabled persons in institutions, and our elders in nursing homes.

This decor, developed in consultation with the medical profession, becomes veritable therapy support tools that help relieve and stimulate patients.

Since its inception in 2000, Paint a Smile has decorated 193 healthcare units in 18 countries around the world.

For improved well-being

> of hospitalised children and adolescents

The walls of paediatric services become the support for amusing and poetic stories, conducive to laughter and to escape. These designs and colours have only one objective: to make these spaces more familiar and to help the young forget the too often traumatic medical world.

Children’s Rights in the hospital:

European Charter of Children's Rights in Hospital (Leiden 1998)
Article 7:
Children shall have full opportunity for play, recreation and education suited to their age and condition and shall be in an environment designed, furnished, staffed and equipped to meet their needs.
EACH Charter (European Association for Children in Hospital)

> of physically or mentally disabled persons in specialised institutions

The decorations reflect the pathologies treated and the diversity of persons accommodated in these living spaces. An overall reflection is conducted with doctors and educators so that the chosen themes invite appeasement and exchange.

> of elderly persons in retirement homes

The artist painters decorate the walls to tell other stories, stories that provide bearings and stimulate memory, while brightening the daily lives of our elders.

"What a pleasure to see in the eyes of our residents a glimmer of joy and to feel the more or less happy memories returning that give life to their stay in our establishment.
We also note their pleasure in following the evolution of the paintings, and in interacting with the painters; everyone is open to discussion and well adapted to the situation. All these paintings have given zest to the life of our residents and to our staff, but also to visitors, families and friends who recognise places and scenes of local life.
More and more, our residents suffer from different types of dementia. Dialogue is often difficult or even non-existent. Beyond the decorative aspect, the paintings are the subject of dialogue with the residents and consequently an opening to care and support. We greatly appreciate the work that has been done; it allows us to improve our work and the well-being of those in our care.
There are not enough words to thank you once again, and we look forward with great anticipation to the continuation of the project."

Roland Perez
Director of the Foyer Pierre-Olivier
Chamoson – Switzerland