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Celebrating Play Therapy at Bristol Children’s Hospital 

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From 14 – 18 October, Bristol Children’s Hospital celebrated ‘Play in Hospital Week’. So, take a closer look at play therapy in hospital with us, and what it means for patients and parents. 

Play therapy and play sessions are a fantastic way to help make hospital a less intimidating, more enjoyable environment. For children under long-term care, it allows them some normality and lets them play like any child should. But play sessions often have added benefits that might not be immediately obvious to parents and patients. 

Play assistants or specialists will sometimes work with a child’s physiotherapist to incorporate physical therapy in a fun and engaging way. Group sessions encourage a child to socialise. Therapeutic play can help children prepare for medical procedures, reduce stress and anxiety and normalise the hospital environment. 

The play team in Bristol Children’s Hospital is made up of several play assistants and specialists whose main goal is to make a patient’s hospital journey as easy as possible.

We’re shining the spotlight on Sian, Oncology Play Specialist, who we proudly fund. Sian is based in Starlight Ward, where children are treated for cancer and blood conditions. Children can stay on Starlight Ward from a few days to several months, so having access to a vibrant play therapy service is vital.

Sian’s work helps take the scariness away from a range of procedures children on Starlight Ward might have and helps create a warm and welcoming environment.

The Starlight Ward play room provides a space for patients and parents to leave their cubicle and make use of a range of toys, games and specialist equipment.

Sian on Starlight Ward made a huge difference. She was warm and kind, and genuinely made a difference to Hope’s day when she visited. She has such a calming presence about her that really helped both of us de-stress when she visited.

Joanne, mum of Hope, former patient

Play in hospital week

This year, Bristol Children’s Hospital celebrated ‘Play in Hospital Week’ with a colourful range of activities, all to raise awareness of the importance of play therapy. We supported the play team with resources, alongside our regular entertainers and a visit from some very special characters.

There was magic, puppets, harps and painting across the hospital, which children of all ages enjoyed getting involved with.

We were also proud to facilitate a visit from the Happyland King and Fairy, thanks to our good friends at The Entertainer, who are steadfast supporters of your children’s hospital.

The Entertainer’s support doesn’t stop there, though. By partnering with Pennies in its South West stores, it has raised over £920,000 for us, supporting thousands of sick children.

Celebrating play

Through Arts Unleashed, we’re proud to offer a vibrant arts programme. From live music to interactive entertainers and everything in between, Arts Unleashed ensures there’s a huge range of performers and artists in Bristol Children’s Hospital. Arts Unleashed sessions can be larger performances, collaborative sessions with a few patients, or bedside art and play. 

If you’d like to know which Arts Unleashed performers are visiting your ward, ask your Play Specialist. 

Supporting play therapy in Bristol Children’s Hospital is one of our highest priorities – so you can be sure your child not only gets high-quality treatment, but holistic care, too. 

If you’d like to support the play team and their incredible work, please consider making a kind donation.

Support play in hospital

Help us continue to provide vital play and art services, as well as toys and games, for our brave patients.

Provide vital accommodation for a family of a sick child