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 work to ensure every child has the opportunity, space and time to experience play. We also undertake research and campaign to ensure children’s right to play is protected and provided for. This means campaigning for more and better, fully funded play services and play practitioners to be recognised and embedded within the NHS.

Children need to play. Its about much more than having fun. Its how kids learn, communicate and figure out who they are.

There are 100,000 children with life-threatening illnesses in the UK!

Your donations mean Starlight can support frontline health staff to help seriously ill children feel less alone