parent mental health day

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.