Starlight Children's Foundation

Starlight Children's Foundation Starlight is the national children’s charity that exists to champion the importance of play.
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Offical page for Starlight Children's Foundation in the UK.

05/06/2026

A huge thank you to Titan Square Mile for hosting an incredible
golf day this week.

Rain? Yes. Spirits dampened? Not a chance.
From golf clinics and putting challenges to 18 holes on the course and the famous "guess the balls in the bucket" competition, there was plenty of fun, friendly competition and great memories made throughout the day.
A massive thank you to everyone who came along, got involved and helped create such a fantastic atmosphere. Your support made a real difference, helping to raise an amazing £4,058 for Starlight. ⭐️
We loved every minute of it and can't wait to do it all again next time! 🙌⛳️

📣 Only 2 weeks left to apply! Are you 14-17 and passionate about making healthcare better for children and young peopl...
05/06/2026

📣 Only 2 weeks left to apply!

Are you 14-17 and passionate about making healthcare better for children and young people through the power of play?

Starlight is recruiting new Youth Panel members!
We’re looking for young people in the UK who:
✨ Are passionate about making healthcare experiences better
✨ Are aged 14–17
✨ Have experience of hospital, hospice care, or living with a serious/chronic illness or disability

By joining our Youth Panel, you’ll share your ideas and help shape how Starlight supports children and young people in healthcare.

Apply by Friday 19 June 2026

To find out more and apply: https://lnkd.in/d9CXrqAH

Every child deserves the chance to play.For children with sensory and additional needs, hospital environments can be ove...
04/06/2026

Every child deserves the chance to play.

For children with sensory and additional needs, hospital environments can be overwhelming and access to appropriate play resources isn’t always guaranteed.

That’s why Starlight’s Sensory Distraction Box contains a range of carefully selected toys and resources designed to help children feel calm, safe and engaged.

By supporting sensory regulation and providing positive distraction, these resources can help children cope with challenging healthcare experiences, reduce anxiety and support emotional wellbeing.

Find out more and apply for a Sensory Distraction Box today.
🔗 https://ow.ly/ZAZj50Z7AIW

“Healthcare can be a scary world for all children. For children with additional needs, it can be even scarier.” – Laura ...
03/06/2026

“Healthcare can be a scary world for all children. For children with additional needs, it can be even scarier.” – Laura Walsh, Director of Play in Healthcare at Starlight

We’re proud to have contributed to new guidance from the Association of Paediatric Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland (APAGBI), helping hospitals provide better care for children and young people with learning disabilities, neurodivergence and additional needs.

The guidance highlights the important role of health play and play specialists in preparing children for procedures, reducing anxiety and helping create more positive healthcare experiences.

Because every child deserves care that meets their individual needs.

Find out more via the link: https://ow.ly/fSPW50Z77J0

03/06/2026

What does play mean to you?

At Starlight, we asked our team that simple question and the answers were surprisingly powerful.

💜 “Play means having fun.”
💜 “The ability to make mistakes in a safe environment and learn from it.”
💜 “Being open to the moment.”
💜 “Joy.”
💜 “Imagination.”
💜 “Freedom.”

Play looks different for everyone, but its power is universal.

It helps us connect, laugh, learn, explore and cope with life’s challenges. And for children facing illness and treatment, play can help make difficult experiences feel less frightening and overwhelming.

🎥 Watch the video to hear what play means to our team.

Then join us for on 11 June and be part of a nationwide celebration of the power of play.

Because you’re never too old to play: https://ow.ly/epUn50Z6FIu

02/06/2026

What’s your favourite childhood play memory?

Maybe it was building dens, playing tag in the playground, making up games with friends, or getting lost in your imagination for hours.

We asked some of our team at Starlight to share their favourite memories of play and the moments that still make them smile today.

Because play isn’t just something we leave behind in childhood. It helps us connect, laugh, build confidence and cope with life’s challenges.

For children facing illness and hospital treatment, play can make a difficult day feel a little less scary and a lot more manageable.

🎥 Watch the video and then join us for on 11 June, when people across the UK will come together to celebrate the power of play.

Sign up today and receive simple weekly play prompts, plus the chance to win one of 20 LEGO® prizes: https://ow.ly/epUn50Z6FIu

01/06/2026

“Just seeing the smiles on the children’s faces… it makes me want to keep coming and doing it again and again.”

For children in hospital, play can make procedures less frightening, reduce anxiety and bring moments of joy during a difficult time.

Hear from a Health Play Specialist at John Radcliffe Hospital about why play is such an important part of helping children cope with treatment and hospital stays.

🎥 Watch the video.

28/05/2026

Music, movement and sensory play all in one 🎶✨

Our Songs, Signs & Sounds sessions with SEND music practitioners Karen and Georgie are designed to support young people with SEND and PMLD through interactive music-making, signing and calming sensory experiences.

Whether at home, in school or in care settings, these short online sessions are created to help bring connection, communication and moments of joy.

🎥 Watch Karen and Georgie in action via the Songs, Signs & Sounds YouTube playlist: https://ow.ly/4fmb50Yn3Ja

28/05/2026

More than a day at the races🏇

This year’s Starlight Charity Raceday at Newbury Racecourse marked a major milestone, the 20th anniversary of the event, coinciding with Starlight’s 40th anniversary year.

For two decades, the racing community has come together to raise vital funds helping seriously ill children experience the power of play during treatment and hospital stays.

From the energy of the races to the generosity shown throughout the day, this year’s event was a powerful reminder of the impact that community, compassion and play can have on children facing healthcare challenges.

Huge thanks to everyone who supported the day, including Event Chair Nicky Henderson OBE and all those who continue to champion Starlight’s mission.

Watch the highlight reel from the day 🎥

🏆 The Starlight Health Play Awards are back for 2026!Every day, health play professionals across the UK help children fa...
27/05/2026

🏆 The Starlight Health Play Awards are back for 2026!

Every day, health play professionals across the UK help children face fear, trauma and treatment through the power of play.

Now it’s time to celebrate them.

Nominations are officially OPEN for the 2026 Starlight Health Play Awards, recognising the incredible individuals and teams transforming healthcare experiences for seriously ill children.

This year you can nominate for:

⭐ Protector of Play⭐ Health Play Specialist of the Year⭐ Mentor of the Year⭐ Play Team of the Year

From easing anxiety before procedures to helping children regain confidence and control, these professionals make an extraordinary difference every single day.

Know someone who deserves recognition? Nominate them now via our website ⬇️

https://ow.ly/6Bug50Z4Csj

Address

227 Shepherds Bush Road
London
W67AU

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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