mental health awareness

Spread a Smile is committed to mental health support, for the families we meet through our entertainer visits, virtual sessions and family events and also for our team, through mental health first aid training and support.

12 – 18 May is Mental Health Awareness Week and we’re shining a spotlight on our work supporting the mental health of all of those we come into contact with as an organisation.

Every day, our entertainers visit children in hospitals and hospices, spreading smiles, making connections and bringing a little bit of joy and happiness during some very difficult times.

“Our entertainer visits are all about making time spent in hospital just a little bit easier. The impact of being in hospital can be huge, particularly if a child is very unwell and has been in hospital for a while, away from family and friends and everything they know and that makes them feel safe. Our entertainers focus on each child as an individual, making them feel special and giving them space and time to just have fun and be a child again. Sharing a smile or a positive experience can go a long way. Our visits are always met with such positive feedback with 100% of healthcare professionals reporting that Spread a Smile entertainer visits have a positive impact on mental health and emotional wellbeing.” (Spread a Smile Healthcare Professional Survey, April – Oct 2024)

The need for mental health support is growing: one in five children in England has a probable mental disorder (Mental Health of Children and Young People Survey, 2023). Spread a Smile currently supports children, young people and families at 39 NHS hospitals and 6 hospices. This includes The Mildred Creak Unit (MCU) at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), a small, intensive intervention unit which supports children aged 7-13 facing complex mental health challenges, including eating disorders and behavioural difficulties. The MCU offers a vital lifeline during difficult times and Spread a Smile is proud to have been supporting the Unit since July 2022 through special bespoke art initiatives and programmes.

Over the last year, Spread a Smile delivered 14 art and entertainment workshops during school holidays, working with the Unit’s Play Specialist and nursing staff to create a safe, supportive space. These workshops allow patients to reconnect with their identities, build confidence, express themselves and process emotions in different ways whilst being part of a shared experience which gives space to take pride in their accomplishments.

We also ran a six week Summer Art Programme in 2024 for children aged 10-16, during which children participated in sessions with professional artists, covering themes including Piaget clocks and Pointillism.

Spread a Smile’s sessions and support have been met with incredibly positive feedback and it’s been wonderful to see the progress made by patients. One patient, initially non-communicative, gradually engaged in activities and, after six months, was confidently chatting and leading a session, with staff describing her transformation as remarkable.

Laura Walter said, “Our work with the MCU shows the profound impact that creative, play-based interventions can have. As the numbers of children experiencing mental health difficulties grow, the work of the MCU and our support for it is more important than ever. We are proud that Spread a Smile’s interactions are making a meaningful difference for children experiencing mental health issues, providing moments of connection and expression, supporting emotional wellbeing and complementing the exceptional care from the MCU staff.”

To find out more about Spread a Smile’s work, visit spreadasmile.org

Today marks the start of Mental Health Awareness Week (13 to 19 May), which each year aims to highlight the importance of our mental health and what we can do to support it.

For children and young people diagnosed with a serious illness, life changes in an instant with family life, schooling, social opportunities, health and wellbeing all being affected. Spending long periods of time in hospital undergoing treatment, away from family and friends can take it’s toll physically and mentally.

Spread a Smile supports our NHS hospital and hospice partners, providing entertainment, distraction and an the opportunity for children and young people in hospital to find fun and laughter in amongst it all.

Eleanor Tyrrell is Matron for Children and Young People’s Cancer Services at UCLH and we spoke to her about the role of Spread a Smile and how we are helping support the wellbeing of patients and their families.

“At UCLH there is a paediatric cancer ward, teenage cancer unit and a teenage and young adult daycare ambulatory cancer unit. One of the most vital areas of my role is ensuring the patient experience is as positive, calm and stress-free as possible.

“I first met Spread a Smile when I was Ward Sister on Lion Ward at Great Ormond Street Hospital in 2013. Josephine’s nephew was treated on Lion Ward and this is when she first discussed the idea of what became the beginnings of Spread a Smile. Josephine and Vanessa were passionate about making the hospital experience fun, cheerful and distracting for the child and diverting attention for the whole family away from the extremely stressful and difficult time.

“We all love seeing the wonderful influence Spread a Smile has on our patients, their families and friends. The patient experience is vital in the care we provide and seeing Spread a Smile boost children in hospital and change difficult moments into something joyous is very special.

“The positive impact of transforming a child’s and family’s hospital journey and supporting their emotional wellbeing cannot be underestimated. Spread a Smile demonstrates and values the importance of being fully inclusive to the young person’s family, carers, siblings and friends, which strengthens relationships and wellbeing. The team create special memories, experiences and opportunities for children and young people in hospital. Without this the child or young person’s hospital stay is extremely stressful and challenging.

“It is inspiring and rewarding to see how the charity has evolved. It can’t be underestimated how much Spread a Smile has impacted children and young people, their friends and families throughout England during their hospital stay. I have many memories of the talented team (including the therapy dogs) who have made our patients very happy, brightened their day and made them smile. I also have memories of the early days and seeing the hard work Josephine and Vanessa undertook to make their goals a success. They and the team should be really proud of what they have achieved and what they plan to achieve.”

Spread a Smile is proud to work with and support inspiring people like Eleanor and their teams. We currently work in partnership with 32 NHS hospitals and four hospice partners, spreading smiles when they are needed most. To support our work, please consider donating today. Thank you.