Starlight and the Society of Health Play Specialists (SoHPS) have won the Sector Award at the inaugural National Play Awards 2026, recognising our work together to put play firmly on the healthcare agenda.
Starlight
Starlight and SoHPS win national award for championing play in healthcare
The award celebrates our partnership, from developing the Play Well Toolkit, launched in 2025, to championing its adoption across the NHS so more children can benefit from play throughout their care.
We were proud to be finalists alongside Splash Projects and Go Play Sandwell, whose work also champions the importance of play in children’s lives.
The awards accompanied the inaugural National Play Conference 2026, launched by Play England and the Sports and Play Construction Association (SAPCA) bringing together people from across the sector to explore how we can make children’s right to play a reality through commitment, collaboration and action.
Bringing children’s right to play to life
Tom Hayes MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Play, highlighted the importance of this national moment for play. For Starlight, these conversations are an opportunity to champion recognition of play as an essential part of children’s healthcare and its inclusion in national policy.
Host and inclusive play advocate Amber Ogunsanya-William kept children’s voices at the heart of the day. Contributions from a leading academic expert on a chidd's right to play Naomi Lott and inlusion advocate Becky Maddern encouraged delegates to consider the time, space, acceptance and accessibility children need to play, and how we can create more inclusive opportunities.
'What happens when play is absent from healthcare?'
Our Director of Play in Healthcare, Laura Walsh, joined a panel with representatives from the Youth Sport Trust, Association of Play Industries and others for a panel discussion about creating the conditions for play.
She challenged delegates to consider what happens when play is absent from children’s healthcare, and the consequences for their experiences, wellbeing and ability to cope with treatment.
For a child facing an unfamiliar hospital environment or a frightening procedure, play can help them understand what is happening, express their feelings and feel more prepared. Making it available requires recognition, practical support and a shared commitment across healthcare teams.
Our work with SoHPS helps turn that commitment into action. Winning the Sector Award is a celebration of this partnership and encouragement to keep working towards a future where every child can access play throughout their healthcare.
Turning ideas into action
The conference and awards were a fitting way to mark Play in Healthcare Week, celebrating the people making play possible while exploring what needs to change so more children can benefit.
Thank you to Play England, SAPCA, the organisers, speakers and everyone who contributed to such an inspiring event.
We left with fresh ideas and renewed determination to make sure children have the time, space, opportunity and support to play, wherever they receive care. (Image: conference delegate Robert Torto, a civil engineer, and active travel and play campaigner)
October 2026