Starlight UK

No child should experience 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.  

Starlight is the UK’s leading charity for children’s play in hospitals and hospices. Evidence shows that play has the power to reduce fear, pain and trauma during treatment and recovery from illness - boosting mental and physical health and resilience.

We make play possible – providing resources that frontline healthcare professionals use to support children.

We make play better – supporting healthcare professionals with training and education.

We make play matter – influencing and campaigning for change to embed play in health services across the country.