National Cancer Plan

The NHS National Cancer Plan for England, published in February 2026, acknowledged for the first time that children and young people living with cancer have unique needs that extend beyond just clinical care. Alongside treatment and recovery, the Plan highlights the importance of emotional wellbeing, positive hospital experiences and holistic support for children and families.

Around 54% of the children and young people supported by Spread a Smile are living with cancer. Our job is to help children be children, bringing play, creativity, entertainment and moments of joy during some of the toughest times in their young lives.

Through our team of professional entertainers, artists and musicians visiting seriously ill children in hospital both online and virtually,, we help to reduce feelings of isolation and anxiety, support emotional wellbeing and create positive shared experiences for the whole family.

This Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we are shining a light on the fact that emotional support, play and joy are not simply ‘nice to have’ additions to cancer care. They are essential to helping children and families cope with the impact of a cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Children like Alexia…

“Alexia was diagnosed with a rare mixed germ cell tumour and spent the next three months living in hospital as her medical team worked out a treatment plan and next steps. To say our world was literally turned upside down would be an understatement.

“Spread a Smile provided a much needed and welcome distraction whilst Alexia was in hospital. She would try so hard to be brave all the time and keep a smile on her face but I knew that she missed being at home with her siblings and friends. We would often hear the singing and laughter before we saw the familiar Spread a Smile t-shirts and she would be eagerly staring at her door waiting for the opportunity to see one of the entertainers.

“In one of her admissions when she was in isolation, they even stood at her door and did a performance just for her. It really made her feel special and reminded her that life wasn’t always going to be this hard and maybe there was a light at the end of the tunnel.

“It really brought tears to my eyes to see how much effort the Spread a Smile team put into making each child feel special and putting a smile on their faces. It really made a huge difference to me as a parent to see how happy it made Alexia every time she spent time with one of the Spread a Smile team.” Mum – Alana

As the NHS looks to strengthen holistic support for children and young people affected by cancer, Spread a Smile is proud to play its part, working alongside 39 NHS partner hospitals  across the UK to ensure children and families receive the support they need.

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