Children and young people receiving treatment at Queen’s Hospital now benefit from the support of Spread a Smile, a charity with the mission to bring joy and laughter to seriously ill children.

We’re one of 37 major and speciality NHS hospitals supported by the charity, alongside six hospices, taking Spread a Smile one step closer to its aim of spreading smiles to every seriously ill child and young person across the country.

The Spread a Smile team of talented entertainers, including musicians, artists, magicians and therapy dogs, will spend quality time with patients through regular in-person visits to the hospital. In addition, patients and their families will be able to access a range of its support services including virtual sessions, outings and events. All of which supports the charity’s aim of reaching and supporting as many young people as possible, spreading smiles and a lot of happiness to children undergoing treatment for serious illnesses and their families.

Caroline Jenkins, Health Play Specialist at Queen’s Hospital, said: 

Having Spread a Smile visit us has really made such a difference. We are a busy hospital covering three very diverse areas. The visits are impactful, brightening everyone’s day from the children and young people, their parents and carers and all the staff, the visits lift everyone’s mood. We’re grateful for all they do and we look forward to continuing to work with the charity to make an even greater impact in the future.

Lucy Jackson, Spread a Smile Chief Executive, added:

Our aim is to bring joy and happiness into the lives of as many seriously ill children, young people and their families across the country as possible. We are delighted to be working in partnership with the brilliant team at Queen’s Hospital to deliver entertainment, laughter and bring some magic to patients, families and staff alike.

To find out more about the charity, visit the website.