What are the opening hours?

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

Starlight Children's Foundation

Home
United Kingdom
London
Starlight Children's Foundation

Starlight is the national children’s charity that exists to champion the importance of play.
(263)

Offical page for Starlight Children's Foundation in the UK.

24/08/2026

Healthcare professionals tell us there aren’t enough age-appropriate resources available for older children in hospital.

That’s why we created the Play Well Box.

Designed for children aged 10 and over, the Play Well Box contains games, activities and resources that reflect their interests and help provide distraction from distress, anxiety and negative thoughts.

By engaging young people in play that’s right for their age, we can help them feel included, heard and supported during what can be a difficult time.

Play also creates opportunities for connection, helping healthcare professionals build trust and relationships that can make a child’s healthcare journey feel less overwhelming.

Find out how the Play Well Box is helping to support children’s wellbeing through the power of play.: https://ow.ly/rQi650Zb6Jc

21/08/2026

⏳ Just 7 days to go until CarFest!

The countdown is on and we can't wait to be back at one of the UK's biggest family festivals.

Come and find the Starlight team for fun activities, playful experiences and a chance to learn how play helps seriously ill children cope with the challenges of healthcare.

Every smile, every game and every moment of play helps shine a light on the difference play can make for children and families.

Who's joining us at CarFest this year?

19/08/2026

A little play can make a big difference when a child is in hospital. 💙🩺

We’re delighted to announce our new partnership with WHSmith helping more children access the power of play during hospital visits and stays.

Through the partnership, children can buy the new Little Doctor play set in participating WHSmith hospital stores, with £1 from every sale donated to Starlight. WHSmith is also donating play sets to Starlight for hospital wards.

Being able to play doctor gives children the chance to explore and practise what happens in healthcare, helping them feel more in control, understand unfamiliar experiences and reduce fear and anxiety.

Because when children have the opportunity to play, they can feel more like themselves – even in hospital. 🌟

You can read more here: https://tinyurl.com/2s54kcjs

Thank you WHSmith for helping us put play at the heart of children’s healthcare. 🫶

17/08/2026

💚 Play can change a child’s healthcare experience.

For many children, healthcare can feel overwhelming and frightening. For children with additional needs, those challenges can be even greater.

That’s why health play is so important. Through tools like VR, play-based preparation and therapeutic activities, children can better understand what’s happening, feel more in control and build confidence ahead of procedures and treatments.

As Laura says:

"Healthcare can be a scary world for all children. For children with additional needs, it can be even scarier. Starlight research and evidence show how health play can prepare children for surgery and other procedures and build their resilience."

When children feel supported, informed and empowered, healthcare experiences improve — and so can health outcomes.

12/08/2026

🌟 Happy International Youth Day! 🌟

Today, we’re celebrating the incredible young people who help shape Starlight’s work through our Youth Panel.

Made up of 14–17-year-olds from across the UK, many with their own experiences of healthcare, our Youth Panel brings valuable insight, creativity and lived experience to everything we do. From reviewing resources like the Play Well Box to helping judge the Health Play Innovation Awards, their voices help ensure young people’s needs are at the heart of our work.

Young people are experts in their own experiences. By listening to them, we can create healthcare environments that are more fun, supportive and less stressful for children and young people.

Thank you to our Youth Panel members for sharing your ideas, challenging us to do better and helping shape the future of play in healthcare.

09/08/2026

A good book can transport us anywhere, from magical worlds to exciting adventures, all without leaving the room.

For children spending time in hospital, books offer comfort, distraction and a chance to escape into their imagination when they need it most. Whether it’s a favourite story, a new discovery or a book shared with someone special, reading can bring joy, connection and a sense of normality.

Today, we're celebrating the power of stories and the people who inspire a love of reading.

What's a book you've never forgotten?

07/08/2026

🎪 Join Starlight at CarFest 2026!

We're thrilled to be returning to CarFest for another unforgettable weekend celebrating the power of play.

Visit the Starlight stand to discover how play helps seriously ill children cope with the challenges of healthcare. From creative activities to family-friendly fun, there'll be plenty to enjoy while supporting a great cause.

CarFest brings together incredible music, entertainment, food, wellbeing and family experiences — all while raising funds for charities making a difference across the UK.

💚 We can't wait to see you there.

🎟️ Find out more and get your tickets today: https://carfest.org/

05/08/2026

Happy National Play Day! 🎉

Play has the power to transform a healthcare experience.

As Kornelia from Moorfields Eye Hospital shares, something as simple as comparing a cannula to a Spider-Man web shooter or calling surgeons Smurfs can help children feel less anxious and more at ease in unfamiliar environments.

Play isn't just about fun. It helps children understand what's happening around them, reduces fear and creates moments of comfort during challenging times.

Today, we're celebrating the healthcare professionals who use creativity, imagination and play to help children feel safer, happier and more in control.

Because every child deserves the chance to play, no matter where they are.

04/08/2026

Sweat, smiles and serious pushing! 💪 🚗

The legend that is Luke’s Big Push squeezed in another massive training session this weekend ahead of their epic 131 mile challenge. We are SO proud to be an official charity partner for Carfest! Come join the fun this August Bank Holiday at Silverstone. Book your CarFest tickets today and use the code CFSTARLIGHT10 for 10% off! 🎉 ✨

03/08/2026

Looking for simple ways to keep children entertained this summer?

Sensory play is a fantastic way to encourage creativity, exploration and fun, while helping children stay calm, engaged and curious.

From bubbles and water play to musical instruments, ribbons and sensory bottles, there are plenty of easy activities that can be created using everyday household items.
We’ve gathered some of our favourite sensory play ideas, including step-by-step guides for sensory bottles and sensory boards, to help families bring the power of play into the summer holidays.

Explore the resources and get inspired: https://www.starlight.org.uk/how-we-help/family-hub/play-ideas

Address

The Ark, 201 Talgarth Road
London
W68BJ

Opening Hours

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

Website

http://www.starlight.org.uk/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Starlight Children's Foundation posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Featured

British DJ & MC Academy
The grangeway
Hephzibar Foundation