Starlight, the UK’s leading health play charity, has delivered a new wave of toys and therapeutic resources to babies and children receiving treatment at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford — thanks to a major partnership with toy company Ravensburger.
More than 7,000 Ravensburger items from its Play+ baby and toddler range, as well as games, puzzles and craft sets for older children, will be distributed to health play teams across the UK through Starlight’s Play Boxes.
Specialists at Starlight selected the resources from Ravensburger’s catalogue to complement the charity’s existing tools, ensuring that each Play Box supports emotional wellbeing, learning and comfort during medical procedures.
These boxes play a vital role in helping clinicians reduce anxiety, soothe children during treatment, and improve overall hospital experiences.
Research from Starlight shows that 71 per cent of hospitals lack any budget for play, meaning most health play teams rely heavily on the charity’s support. Starlight also provides training and shares best practice across the clinical community.
Play in healthcare has proven benefits: it reduces trauma associated with treatment, can lower the need for sedation, shortens hospital stays, reduces appointments, and minimises the risk of long-term emotional and mental health difficulties.
Jonny Wright, Director of Income Generation & Engagement at Starlight, said:
“We’re thrilled to partner with Ravensburger and bring their Play+ range to children and families who need it most. The resources we provide for babies, children and young people will be significantly boosted by this wonderful partnership bringing engaging, fun and educational toys to children of all ages, especially to babies.
“Play is not just fun – it’s an essential part of healthcare. It helps health play staff prepare children for treatments and procedures, as well as helping with their recovery from operations. This support is vital to ensure children’s long-term emotional wellbeing and development.”
Jo Pinney, Health Play Specialist Team Manager at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, added:
“Play is a vital part of a child’s hospital experience. It helps reduce fear and anxiety, supports emotional wellbeing, and makes medical procedures less daunting.
“Thanks to Starlight and Ravensburger, our team can provide engaging, therapeutic play resources that make a real difference to children and their families during what can be a very stressful time. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to work in partnership with Starlight and Ravensburger.”
Katy Fletcher, Head of Marketing and Product Development at Ravensburger, said:
“Starlight’s work in shining a light on the vital role of play in healthcare is truly inspiring. At Ravensburger we share that commitment to the power of play, and we are delighted to support the charity’s work through this partnership.
“Time spent in hospital can be difficult for families and it’s fantastic to know that we can play our part in making those experiences more playful.”
Starlight provides free specialist Play Boxes to hospitals, offering resources that support children’s emotional wellbeing, development and comfort during medical treatment. As the UK’s leading charity championing play in healthcare, Starlight supplies vital materials, advocates for systemic change and trains paediatric professionals.
Health play specialists use therapeutic play to help children manage fear, pain and anxiety, prepare for procedures, and maintain developmental progress. They also support families and contribute to clinical assessments, ensuring children receive compassionate, holistic care.
