News

World Teen Mental Wellness Day

 780 400 Gabrielle Devine
By:

Today, 2 March, is World Teen Mental Wellness Day and we’re recognising the unique challenges faced by young people living with serious illness, as well as the specialist support Spread a Smile provides to help them feel seen, valued and understood.

For many young people living with a serious illness, long hospital stays and intensive treatments can mean missing out on important social milestones at a time when they’re discovering their independence. They often find themselves caught between children’s and adult services, with fewer dedicated resources designed specifically for their age group. This gap in support can leave them feeling isolated during an already difficult period.

At Spread a Smile, we work closely with our NHS hospital partners to help bridge that gap, offering joyful, age‑appropriate experiences that give young people a break from clinical environments. Through dedicated youth events and tailored hospital visits, we aim to create relaxed, welcoming spaces where they can be themselves, connect with others and feel supported when they need it most.

Our hospital visits bring moments of relief and connection, with entertainers who understand how to engage young people. From magicians sparking laughter, to artists encouraging creative expression, to singers performing their favourite songs, every visit is shaped around their interests. These interactions offer opportunities for joy, confidence and self‑expression during long hospital stays.

We also run virtual and in‑person activities designed specifically for young people, including our virtual art club, group sessions, music lessons and creative workshops. These sessions help build confidence, connection and a sense of community beyond the hospital walls.

Alongside this, we offer specialist youth events throughout the year. Recent highlights include our young people’s event at the MET Lounge in Fitzrovia, giving those we support the chance to socialise, relax and enjoy time together in a space created just for them. At Christmas, our team also delivers bespoke gift hampers filled with age‑appropriate treats chosen to bring comfort and joy during the festive season.

We’re committed to providing an adaptable, meaningful range of support for children and young people. By listening to their needs and working alongside our NHS partners, we ensure every young person we meet feels recognised, celebrated and supported through the challenges of serious illness.

 

Discover Spread a Smile’s February highlights

 780 400 Gabrielle Devine
By:

Our February e‑newsletter is here!

This month we’re sharing a joyful roundup of our incredible Winter Party, a brilliant feature in The Big Issue celebrating us as a Changemaker of 2026, highlights from Children’s Mental Health Week, moments from our recent PR dinner, a look ahead to our upcoming Golf Days, and more…

There’s so much to catch up on, click here to read our February e-newsletter.

Don’t forget to sign up to our e-newsletter so it lands directly in your inbox each month.

Thank you for helping us bring comfort, laughter and moments of joy to seriously ill children and young people.

Spread a Smile Winter Party 2026 Roundup

 780 400 Gabrielle Devine
By:

On Wednesday 18 February, we held our annual Winter Party – and what a brilliant day it was, filled with so much fun and so many smiles.

For the first time, we hosted the party during half-term to make sure even more families could join us. It was held at Protein Studios in Shoreditch – a bright, spacious venue that was the perfect setting for our fabulous winter celebration.

It was an incredible day which saw us welcome nearly 600 guests – seriously ill children and young people we support, along with their families. This very special event was packed with activities and entertainment, all run by the Spread a Smile team and over 92 brilliant volunteers, and were also delighted to welcome some of our Trustees to share in the magic of this very special day.

Our arts and crafts area was busy all day, with guests enjoying creative activities including beanie decorating, cup decorating and hands-on crafts. Slime workshops, delivered thanks to Slime Planet, were a huge hit, and the interactive floor games kept children of all ages entertained. We were also delighted to welcome Anna’s Animals, who brought along some beautiful creatures for our guests to meet. Children had the chance to hold a snake, cuddle a bunny and even hold a millipede!

For those with a competitive streak, there were plenty of games to enjoy, including an F1 racing simulator, a dance mat and arcade games. Thanks to Hasbro, we also had a fantastic range of games for all ages, from Connect 4 to Nerf. Our Spin to Win wheel gave guests the chance to win some amazing LEGO prizes, which proved extremely popular throughout the day.

For teens, parents and anyone looking for a moment to relax, our pamper corner offered aromatherapy and massage, along with professional make-up artists who took the time to connect with guests and help them feel their very best. And we had a fun photo booth that offered families the chance to capture special memories from the day.

Our entertainers kept the energy high with amazing magic shows and live singing from Frozen and Wicked. Huge thanks to KSS Stage & Sound for ensuring everything looked and sounded fantastic.

A parent who attended said:

“This year was especially meaningful for us, as it was the very first time that my son has been well enough to attend, he will be 4 this year. To see him able to join in, smile, and simply be a child in such a magical environment meant more to us than I can properly put into words.

What made the day even more special was your thoughtful inclusion of siblings. They so often carry emotional feelings quietly and take on more than anyone realises; giving them space to feel included, celebrated, and just as important is such a beautiful and compassionate touch. It did not go unnoticed.

The entertainers were absolutely amazing — every single one brought energy, warmth, and joy into the room. The bubble floor was pure magic, the slime station was a huge hit, and the atmosphere throughout was filled with laughter and excitement. You could see the genuine happiness on every child’s face.

We were also so grateful for the thoughtful dairy-free and vegan options. That level of care and consideration ensures that every child and family feels included, safe, and able to fully enjoy the day without worry.

The thought, dedication, and time that went into creating this event was simply perfect. Every detail was so clearly centred around the children — their joy, their comfort, their experience. That is what made it so incredibly special.

Thank you for the light you bring to families like ours. Without realising the small moments you create, makes such a big difference for us.“

We are incredibly proud to deliver days like this for the families we support. It was so special to see so many families relaxing, having fun, meeting the team and connecting with others.  A heartfelt thank you to BC Partners for sponsoring the party, LMG for sponsoring our entertainers, and Derwent London for sponsoring the gifts for the day. Thank you also to Children’s Welfare and Research Foundation and Children with Cancer UK for your support and commitment. 

Thank you to all of our friends, families and colleagues for joining us and making our Winter Party 2026 one to remember.

To help ensure we can continue to spread smiles to seriously ill children and young people, please donate today. Thank you.

 

gamesaid

Calling all Gaming Industry Professionals

 780 400 Gabrielle Devine
By:

Do you work in the gaming industry? We need your support.

By becoming a free member of GamesAid and voting for Spread a Smile, you could help unlock vital funding for seriously ill children and young people in hospital.

GamesAid is a UK charity that brings together people and companies from across the games industry to support smaller charities helping disadvantaged, disabled and seriously ill children. Each year, members nominate the charities they care about, and those with the most votes receive an equal share of the funds raised.

For the children we support, gaming is far more than entertainment. During long and often gruelling hospital stays, it can reduce anxiety, ease loneliness, provide distraction from pain and help children stay connected with friends and siblings.

If you’re part of the UK gaming industry, here’s what to do:

1️⃣ Become a GamesAid member
Membership is completely free and only takes a couple of minutes to sign up.
To be eligible to vote, you must sign up by 12 April 2026.

2️⃣ Vote for Spread a Smile when voting is open, from 13 – 27 April.

3️⃣ Spread the word
Encourage colleagues and industry contacts to sign up and vote too — every vote counts.

Last year, we came just outside the charities selected for funding. With your support this year, we have a real opportunity to secure essential funds to continue delivering joy, laughter and moments of distraction to children living with serious illness.

If you work in gaming, this is a small action that could make a huge difference. Thank you.

Sign up to our monthly supporter e-newsletter here to stay up-to-date with our work.

Spread a smile changemakers big issue 2026

The Big Issue’s Top 100 Changemakers of 2026

 780 400 Gabrielle Devine
By:

We are so excited to announce that Spread a Smile has been named in The Big Issue’s Top 100 Changemakers of 2026.

We’re honoured to be recognised for our vital work bringing moments of joy and laughter to seriously ill children in NHS hospitals and hospices across the country. This recognition means so much to our entire team and highlights the importance of our work, as we continue to grow as a charity and spread more smiles to seriously ill children and their families in the years to come.

In 2024–25, our team delivered 13,200 bedside visits across 39 NHS hospitals – from magicians and musicians to artists and therapy dogs. These moments of joy provide comfort, positivity and hope for children and families navigating incredibly difficult times. We see first-hand the impact that a smile can have in a clinical environment, and we’re committed to reaching even more young people in the years ahead.

A huge thank you to our Ambassador, Suzi Ruffell, for nominating us and for everything she does to support our work. Suzi has supported Spread a Smile since 2022, after seeing the difference our entertainers made to a close family friend’s daughter during her treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Since then, Suzi’s support has been vital – from curating and hosting our annual Comedy Night at The Comedy Store to our biennial Gala dinners, to joining our volunteers to pack festive Smile Hampers at Christmas. We are incredibly grateful for her commitment to helping us bring more joy to seriously ill children.

Read more in The Big Issue’s Changemakers 2026 feature here.

If you or your business would like to support our work, donate here or explore partnership opportunities by emailing Head of Corporate Partnerships, Lucy Chesney at lucychesney@spreadasmile.org.

Spreading smiles at The Royal London

 780 400 Gabrielle Devine
By:

Our Spread a Smile entertainers recently brought moments of joy and distraction to young patients with additional support needs at the Dental Hospital at The Royal London. Hospital visits and treatments can be particularly overwhelming for children who require extra support, and our team works closely with hospital staff to ensure every interaction feels safe, calm, and engaging.

Using gentle, visual magic and soothing music, our entertainers helped transform what might have been a stressful appointment into a more positive and comforting experience for children and their families. These small moments of connection can make a big difference, offering reassurance, smiles, and a welcome break from worry.

Laura Walter, Director of Services at Spread a Smile, said:
“We know how challenging hospital environments can be for children with additional needs. Our aim is always to meet each child where they are, adapting our approach so they feel supported, seen, and able to enjoy a moment of joy and distraction during a difficult time.”

A huge thank you to the wonderful team at The Royal London for welcoming us and for the incredible care they provide every day. We’re proud to work alongside you to bring joy to young patients.

Help us spread more smiles. Donate today.

 

childrens mental health week

Children’s Mental Health Week 2026

 780 400 Gabrielle Devine
By:

Monday 9 to Sunday 15 February marks Children’s Mental Health Week, a chance to recognise the emotional challenges faced by children and young people across the UK.

At Spread a Smile, our priority is to enhance the emotional wellbeing of the children we support in hospital. We believe this is just as important as the physical care they are receiving. This was reflected in our most recent impact report, where 100% of healthcare professionals we surveyed said our visits have a positive impact on patients’ mental health and wellbeing.

For the children and teenagers we support, mental health is deeply connected to the reality of living with a serious or life‑limiting illness. Many spend long periods in hospital or at home undergoing treatment, often separated from school, friends, and familiar routines. These experiences can feel overwhelming and isolating, affecting confidence, mood, and overall wellbeing.

Our role is to bring relief and moments of brightness during these difficult times. Through creative sessions, music, magic, laughter, art, and meaningful one‑to‑one interactions, whether in person or online, we create space for children and young people to express themselves, feel supported, and reconnect with joy. These moments of joy and distraction can make a meaningful difference, helping to lift spirits and create a sense of normality when so much feels out of their control.

We remain committed to being there for children, siblings, and families whenever they need us, offering comfort and positivity throughout the hardest parts of treatment.

If you would like to support our work and help us reach even more families, you can make a donation here.

To learn more about Children’s Mental Health Week and find resources to get involved, please visit their website.

All peaks challenge logo

All Peaks Challenge

 780 400 Gabrielle Devine
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Spread a Smile is proud to be a chosen charity for the All Peaks Challenge, an extraordinary event taking place on 13 June 2026. This ambitious undertaking will bring 120 teams together to summit every P600 mountain across the UK and Ireland at the exact same time.

The challenge has been created to honour those who face their own mountains every day with courage and hope. By reaching 120 summits simultaneously, participants will create a powerful symbol of solidarity across two nations while raising vital funds for two charities: Spread a Smile and Just Rifles.

The All Peaks Challenge was founded by Terence Martin who shared the personal motivation behind launching the event and his personal experience Spread a Smile:

“The All Peaks Challenge was born from a deeply personal place. When I learned that my son is neurodivergent, my perspective shifted forever. I saw first-hand how vital the work of charities is – not as an optional extra, but as an essential lifeline for children and families navigating challenges they never chose.

I wanted to do more than simply acknowledge that importance – I wanted to make a meaningful, lasting impact. This challenge is my commitment to creating something bigger than myself, something that leaves a legacy my son can be proud of: one rooted in empathy, resilience, and action.

Through my work, I was introduced to Spread a Smile and was immediately struck by the sheer size of their hearts. The joy they bring to children facing serious illness is extraordinary. In moments that can feel overwhelming and unfair, they offer laughter, light, and hope. Supporting them through the All Peaks Challenge is my way of turning purpose into action, and compassion into change.”

Whether you are an experienced mountaineer or a determined hiker ready to push your limits, this is an opportunity to be part of something truly remarkable. Click here to find out more and sign up now.

 

Lucy Jackson Spread a Smile speaking at industry dinner

Spread a Smile’s inaugural PR Dinner

 780 400 Gabrielle Devine
By:

We were delighted to host Spread a Smile’s inaugural PR Dinner on Thursday 29 January at the Ham Yard Hotel, London. Hosted by Phil Caplin, Founder of leading broadcast PR firm Broadcast Revolution, alongside Lucy Jackson, Chief Executive of Spread a Smile, the evening brought together senior leaders from across the PR sector for an intimate dinner in support of the charity.

The event provided an opportunity to introduce Spread a Smile’s work to influential voices within the industry, sharing the impact of our programmes and exploring how the PR community can help amplify our mission. Guests also enjoyed a magical performance from Spread a Smile magician Sacha, who gave a first-hand glimpse of the joy, distraction and connection our entertainers bring to children and families in hospital.

Broadcast Revolution has supported Spread a Smile with pro bono PR expertise since 2020, playing a vital role in raising awareness of the charity’s work and reach.

Lucy Jackson, Chief Executive of Spread a Smile, said:

“It was fantastic to bring together such a brilliant group of senior leaders from across the PR industry to share more about our work and the impact it has on children and families. Evenings like this are so important in helping us raise awareness, build new relationships and open the door to future support. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us, and especially to Phil and the team at Broadcast Revolution for their continued commitment to Spread a Smile and for helping us share our story so powerfully.”

Phil Caplin, Founder of Broadcast Revolution, said:

“Spread a Smile does extraordinary work supporting seriously ill children and their families at some of the toughest moments of their lives. It’s been a privilege to support the charity over the past few years, and hosting this dinner felt like a natural next step in bringing more of the PR industry together behind such an important cause. I’m really proud of the ongoing partnership between Broadcast Revolution and Spread a Smile.”

To find out more about how your company could get involved in supporting Spread a Smile, please contact Lucy Chesney, Head of Partnerships, at lucychesney@spreadasmile.org.

 

Parent Mental Health Day

 780 400 Gabrielle Devine
By:

Today, 30 January 2026 is Parent Mental Health Day, a day where we recognise the strength and courage of parents navigating life when their child is seriously ill.

When a child is unwell, parents and carers often place their own mental health and wellbeing second, focusing entirely on supporting their child through treatment, hospital stays and ongoing uncertainty.

At Spread a Smile, we support seriously ill children and their families across the country through a range of specialised services. Our in-person entertainer visits bring joy to children in hospital and also play an important role in supporting parents and siblings who are with them. Interactions with our entertainers bring laughter, distraction and shared experiences to everyone in the room, offering moments of relief from anxiety and the ongoing pressures families face.

Our family events are designed with the realities of caring for a seriously ill child in mind. We understand that financial pressures, accessibility issues and the uncertainty around a child’s health can make planning outings extremely difficult. By organising every aspect of an event – from theatre trips and cinema visits to lunches and afternoon teas – we remove some of that burden. These events provide families with the opportunity to spend time together in a safe, welcoming environment, while parents and carers are given space to pause, feel supported, and connect with other families in similar situations.

With the wellbeing and mental health of parents and carers at the forefront, we also offer dedicated parent pamper days in NHS hospitals including Great Ormond Street Hospital, the UK’s largest specialist children’s hospital, St Mary’s Hospital, St George’s Hospital, and Evelina London Children’s Hospital. These pamper days are aimed at supporting parents and carers with children who are spending extended periods of time in hospital, providing everything from massage and aromatherapy to nail treatments and hair styling. These sessions give parents time for themselves, providing respite, moments for self-care and a sense of normality during exceptionally challenging times.

Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of parents of seriously ill children is an important part of Spread a Smile’s work and we are committed to continuing to provide opportunities for care, relief and support for parents when they need it most.

Please click here to find out more about how Spread a Smile supports parents and carers.