We are fundraising to create a Bright Space at the Whittington Hospital in Islington, London. The Bright Space will transform the current outdoor play terrace on the children's ward into an enriching environment for patients and their families. 

In a single year, over 2,000 children are cared for in the Whittington Hospital Children's Ward. This includes emergency admissions and children who are receiving ongoing treatment for illness such as cancer and other limiting conditions. The play terrace offers the unique opportunity for children to escape the often overwhelming hospital environment, whist remaining in a protected, private, outdoor setting. 

Most importantly, the play terrace is integrated into children's treatment, with activities purposely designed to accelerate their recovery, and improve their physical and mental wellbeing.  Play encourages a child with mobility issues to keep active to recover physically; while introducing the children to the ward's pet rabbits, helps to remove the fear and anxiety from a child's hospital visit.

Currently the play terrace uses only half the available space, is in need of refurbishment, and offers limited resources and accessibility to patients. 

The Bright Horizons Foundation for Children is working in partnership with the Whittington Hospital to transform the play terrace into a Bright Space, which will double the size of the play area, providing an enriching, stimulating and accessible play environment in which children can play, learn, relax, imagine, interact, create and recover. 

The Bright Space design includes the installation of a new soft-pour surface; shelter and shade from the elements so it can be used in all weathers; and a range of high quality play resources for the children to enjoy. 

We are particularly excited that the Bright Space will be accessible to children who are confined to hospital beds and wheelchairs, so that they too can enjoy and benefit from the improved environment and opportunities to play. 

The works are due to commence in late May 2019, and we are planning for the play terrace to open in the Summer of 2019, subject to funds being raised. 

Please consider donating to this project which will really make a difference to children and their families, and support their treatment and recovery.