Celebrate National Play Day with us

We're celebrating the right of all children to play on Wednesday 1 August – join us by sharing how you used to play and how you play today.

Play is an essential part of every child’s life, it is their main language and primary way of interacting with the world. It is vital for the enjoyment of childhood as well as for social, emotional, intellectual and physical development. When children are asked what is important in their lives, playing and friends are usually at the top of the list.

Play is the primary way children interact with the world – it is their main language. Play happens everywhere not just in the playroom. It happens while children are waiting, walking, thinking, and breathing. We're encouraging our staff to give the message to children that ‘play happens here’.

There will opportunities to get involved across the hospital. Share your play memories or the ways you play in your every day. What do you already do in your work that is playful? Perhaps you use teddy bears to explain to children what procedure they are about to have. Or maybe you find time to play on your cycle commute home, helping you relax as you prepare to come back to the hospital for your next shift. Email your ideas to the address below or share with the play team in your area to add to a memory tree.

If you're visiting the hospital on Wednesday 1 August, look out for play opportunities popping up on wards and in outpatients. Face painting will be available in the morning, or you could even add a little fancy dress to your day!

Please contact laura.walsh@gosh.nhs.uk to share how you used to play and how you play today.