We were recently appointed by Starlight Children’s Foundation, a charity which shines a light on the incredible work carried out by Health Play Specialists for children in hospitals all over the UK, to lead the launch of National Play In Hospital Week, and the Health Play Specialist of The Year Awards. 

Health Play Specialists, some of the many unsung heroes of the NHS, poor their time into ensuring that seriously ill children can still experience the value and joy of play. COVID-19 has had a devastating effect on children spending their time in hospitals, so this year the work of the health play specialists has never been so important. 

The work of Health Play Specialists has been proven to help relieve anxiety and distress associated with being in hospital, making it a less scary place for children to be. In fact, health professionals have even observed a reduction in pain and need for medication during medical procedures when children and young people are engaged in play. Activities and play can build resilience for children in hospitals, which helps them cope and be better engaged with treatment.

The team supported in helping spread the incredible story of the Health Play Specialist of The Year 2020 Winner, Lisa Beaumont from Leeds Children’s Hospital and the Play Specialist Team of The Year, who are also part of the same hospital and are led by Lisa. With a big focus on broadcast and regional news to drive awareness and donations, we were delighted to have secured news pieces with ITV Yorkshire, BBC Look North, BBC Radio Leeds, Heart Radio Yorkshire, with more in-depth interviews and features to come with outlets including the Mail Online and Yorkshire Post, both which highlighted Lisa’s incredible work over the past 32 years. 

We are proud to have been a part of an incredible campaign, helping to raise awareness of a charity that betters the lives of thousands of children suffering in hospitals all over the UK, and celebrating the real stars of 2020.