Starlight was featured in an ITV news report broadcast broadcast across 11 regions in England.
Multiple families were featured in the piece telling their story about how health play has helped them during their treatment journeys.
In the news
Families help shine a national spotlight on health play through ITV News
Some of the children featured have chronic illnesses like Aiden, 17 who has Cystic fibrosis; Olivia, 11, who has a rare skin condition which can trigger excessive allergic reactions and Tahlia, 4 who has a rare genetic condition. It also included children who have experienced gruelling treatment for leukaemia: Clarke, 2; Filly,13 and Daisy, 10 (pictured) and Imogen, 9.
Starlight's CEO Cathy Gilman explained the results of our recent research which shows that there are just 955 full-time equivalent health play professionals supporting around 21,061,311 child hospital admissions for each year across the UK – a ratio of approximately one professional for every 22,061 admissions, far below the recommended staffing levels (1:2230).
It also included an interview with a Senior Health Play Specialist at Leeds Children's Hospital - Lucy Dickinson - who explained how her work helps children cope with procedures and treatments and how play is an essential part of safe, compassionate and child-centred healthcare.
“We are incredibly grateful to ITV for helping us shine a light on the critical shortage of health play professionals across the UK
“But numbers alone can’t show what that shortage means for children and families. We are hugely thankful to the seven families who trusted us and ITV with their experiences. Their stories showed audiences across the country how health play can reduce fear and anxiety and transform a child’s experience of treatment.
“Having the story broadcast across 11 ITV regions gave this important issue a national platform through local voices and experiences. We hope that greater awareness will help build recognition that play isn’t simply a nice addition to children’s healthcare – it is an essential part of ensuring children receive the support they need.”
August 2026