Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity commits to raise £1.8 million for play at Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust

Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust is receiving an incredible funding boost towards play services thanks to Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity.

Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity has pledged to raise £1.8 million towards play services at Sheffield Children’s over the next five years, starting with their 2026 Christmas Appeal.

Investing in play means that children and young people can build confidence, encourage participation in treatment and create opportunities for children to express themselves in ways that feel natural and safe.

For 150 years, Sheffield Children’s has cared for children. Since 1876, Sheffield Children’s has recognised that treating and supporting a child in their important developmental years involves more than delivering excellent clinical care; it requires protecting the experiences that allow children to grow, develop and flourish. Play has always been at the heart of healthy childhoods, helping children make sense of the world, build relationships, develop skills and find joy.

Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity funding will help Sheffield Children’s to go even further for children and families, expanding opportunities for play through training, resources and technology.  By tailoring the healthcare approach to a child’s individual strengths, needs and circumstances, Sheffield Children’s can create experiences that are more responsive, supportive and child-centred.

The charity’s fundraising efforts will begin with their 2026 Christmas appeal, which includes their region wide snowflake campaign, and family-friendly Glow in the Park active event.

Yvonne Millard MBE, Chief Nurse at Sheffield Children’s said: “For 150 years, Sheffield Children’s has understood that caring for children is about far more than treating an illness or injury. Since our doors first opened, we have recognised the importance of protecting childhood, helping children learn, develop, build confidence and find joy, even during the most challenging times. Play has always been part of that approach and remains one of the most powerful tools we have to help children feel safe, informed and involved in their care.

“We know that therapeutic play reduces anxiety, prevents trauma and helps children engage more positively with treatment, creating better experiences for children, families and staff alike. Thanks to the incredible generosity of supporters of Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity, we can go further, expanding access to specialist play support, making sure more children benefit from truly personalised, child-centred care whenever and wherever they need it.”

John Armstrong, Chief Executive at Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “At Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity, children and young people are at the heart of everything we do.

“For 50 years we have proudly stood alongside Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, funding the life-changing and the joy-sparking to make care even kinder, and bad days brighter.

“Play is a fundamental part of childhood, and in healthcare can reduce fear, anxiety and trauma, improve cooperation with treatment and support better experiences and outcomes but currently access is inconsistent. With the help of our generous supporters, we are excited to support Sheffield Children’s ambition for a future powered by play.”

To get involved this Christmas and raise money to help spark joy at Sheffield Children’s, visit sheffieldchildrens.org/Christmas