Making time for seriously ill children to play has never been needed more
Our Mission
We’re the UK children’s charity that helps children experience the joy of childhood. Thanks to our brilliant supporters, we use the power of play to improve children’s experience of treatment in hospital. We do this through our hospital play and distraction services, wish granting and Starlight escapes programme. We help children and their families to escape the routine and reality of treatment.
Donate to Starlight
Your donation will help Starlight support seriously ill children in the UK
Time to play!
Every child needs and deserves to play. It is absolutely crucial for their social and emotional development. But the COVID-19 crisis has made this so much more challenging for seriously ill children in hospital, and at home.
We believe play must be protected. That’s why, as we head towards the end of a uniquely challenging year, it’s Starlight’s ambition to raise £300,000 to give 30,000 seriously ill children the chance to play this Christmas.
How you can help
However you want to support seriously ill children and their families, we’re here to make your life as easy as possible. Thinking about making a regular donation? Or taking on a fundraising challenge? Or including a gift in your will? Whatever you’ve got in mind, we’re here for you. We can only do what we do thanks to people like you.
The Starlight Boost Boxes are fantastic for children visiting our unit. During the recent pandemic, where most toys have been removed from the waiting areas, the individual items such as crayons and colouring books have been particularly useful to give out to patients to relieve boredom.
Providing play
How we help
For over 30 years, we’ve helped children and families find hope after a child is diagnosed with a serious illness. Today, the support we offer has never been needed more; from Isolation Packs to safely provide items to distract and delight children in hospital to hosting virtual parties to entertain and keep children connected with others. It could be a bottle of bubbles or a life changing experience; but it all comes down to helping kids carry on being kids.
Boost Boxes
When nurses need to cheer up a child in hospital, they reach for a Starlight Boost Box. But what’s inside?
Hospital services
We are here to help hospitalised children be themselves and feel less alone
Fundraising
Our fundraising pack is full of fun, easy moneymaking ideas. Download yours and start planning today.
How you can help
The many ways you can brighten children’s lives
Take on a challenge
Love to hike or bike? Always fancied skydiving? Challenge yourself this year and change children’s lives.
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