Make hospital stays kinder for children

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Starlight's vision is for a time when no child experiences trauma from their healthcare

Healthcare is a scary world and feeling scared can make children less resilient and receptive to treatment. We can transform children's health through better health care experiences. Starlight's mission is to put play at the heart of every child’s healthcare.  

Find out more

The UK’s biggest play break is coming

On 11 June, people across the UK will pause for a moment to play.
No props. No planning. Just simple moments of joy that reduce stress, build connection, and highlight the power of play.
Sign up now for free play prompts and join #TheBigPlay.

Sign up to play

Resources for health professionals

Ideas and resources to help you integrate play into practice.

Our impact

Exploring ways to ensure play is protected and provided for.

How you can help

However you want to fundraise, we're here to help you.

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Bring the gift of play to seriously ill children.

Donate to Starlight

Give today and support sick children with play
Frequency

could help calm and distract children during scary medical procedures by using resources from our Build and Feel box which includes everything from cuddly toys to LEGO®️ bricks

£

Play relaxes children, takes their mind off why they're in hospital and eases how the family is feeling. Every day, I see how play helps reduce children's worries, anxiety and trauma.

Hamera Elahi, Health Play Specialist, Newham Hospital