Seriously ill children and teenagers face months, if not years, of treatment and hospital stays. Play is a vital coping mechanism at this time and the lack of opportunities to socialise and communicate can lead to heightened feelings of anxiety, stress and loneliness. Spread a Smile works in partnership with p
lay specialists and medical professionals at 39 NHS partner hospitals to support the wellbeing of seriously ill children and their families through our Hospital Entertainment Programme. We aim to address the negative impact of prolonged hospital stays, bringing the power of play, laughter and creativity to children facing serious illness.
The importance of play
The United Nations recognises play as a fundamental right of every child. Enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, play is essential for healthy development, supporting children’s cognitive, physical, social and emotional wellbeing, while giving parents and carers valuable opportunities to connect.
Through hospital visits, virtual sessions and family events, we create moments of joy and normal childhood experiences that ease anxiety, lift mood, build resilience and restore a sense of control when so much has been taken away. Spread a Smile harnesses the power of play and laughter and uses it to spread smiles when they are needed most.
Why we exist
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We support seriously and terminally ill children through distraction therapy and play.
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Our team provides age-appropriate entertainment during frightening or painful treatments.
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Creating safe and welcoming environments helps reduce fear for young patients.
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Therapeutic interventions are available to support every child throughout their hospital journey.
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A wide variety of play activities is offered to both paediatric and teenage patients.
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Support also extends to parents, siblings, and the wider family network.
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Advocating for the needs of children and young people remains our core priority.
The current climate and strained budget of the NHS means priority must be given to medical and procedural support. Play and youth services are therefore increasingly vulnerable to funding cuts.
Spread a Smile works closely with its partner hospitals to support and extend developmental play and entertainment services. Our entertainers and play activities bring joy and laughter and create strong, positive memories of a child’s time in hospital that support their coping mechanisms and build their self-esteem whilst reducing feelings of loneliness, anxiety and fear.
Impact Research
In 2020, we commissioned Oxford Brookes University to conduct independent research into the impact of our work. A summary of the results can be found in our latest annual report (pages 16-19) HERE.
Outcomes
Creating hope
We replace the pain of treatment with joy and laughter. This helps patients and their families feel normal again. It brings hope for the future, even for a short time.
Helping understanding through play
Play is essential for a child’s growth and well-being. It helps children learn, relate to others, and have fun. This need does not stop when they are in hospital.
Patients are often separated from friends and familiar surroundings. Our entertainers make a real difference to their recovery. We help them feel supported as they prepare for treatment.
Alleviating the monotony of the hospital environment
Young people in hospital often miss out on childhood activities. For children in hospital beds, time passes very slowly. They often struggle with inactivity and separation.
Our visits bring joy and entertainment to their bedside. We help make the hospital feel like a safe, welcoming space. Patients always look forward to seeing their favourite entertainers.
Distracting from treatment and reducing anxiety
Our entertainment reduces fears and increases cooperation with treatments. Music and laughter release endorphins that reduce pain and stress.
Our team provides a vital distraction during difficult procedures. This can reduce the need for sedation and medication. We aim to speed up recovery and improve the patient experience.
Improving well-being
Our visits help young people gain confidence and self-esteem. We provide an outlet for feelings of anger or frustration. Improved well-being helps to speed up recovery and rehabilitation.
Supporting for siblings, parents, carers and grandparents
There is great pressure on parents to provide constant entertainment. Our visits alleviate that burden and provide a welcome break. Siblings are also deeply affected by a brother or sister’s illness.
We help families meet others in similar situations. Our activities enable families to enjoy regular experiences together.
Providing positive memories
Creating happy memories is a vital part of our work. This is especially important for children with life-limiting conditions.
Parents cherish the photos and videos taken during our visits. For children who recover, we help them see hospital in a positive light.