Alistair Strathern MP takes local play therapists to Parliament to champion NHS play therapy

PRESS RELEASE FROM ALISTAIR STRATHERN MP

WEDNESDAY 15^TH OCTOBER 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

This week, Alistair Strathern, MP for the Hitchin constituency, brought inspiring staff from Lister Hospital alongside professionals and children from across the country to speak to fellow MPs about the importance of play therapy for children on the NHS. 

The event, held during Play in Healthcare Week, brought together MPs, early years professionals, play therapists, and campaigners to explore how play can be a powerful tool for children’s emotional and physical wellbeing during treatment.

The drop-in featured expert briefings and moving testimonies from families and practitioners who have seen first hand the impact of therapeutic play. From children recovering from illness to those navigating trauma or anxiety, the message was clear: play is not a luxury, it’s a lifeline.

With the Government having recently published its NHS Play Toolkit for hospitals and paediatric health settings, Strathern is keen to ensure MPs from across the country champion the importance of play therapy in their local NHS settings. 

Attending MPs were invited to pledge their support and learn how they can help make therapeutic play accessible to every child.

The event was organised with the UK’s leading charity on this issue, Starlight. They offer advice and training, and research and campaign to make play a national part of children’s healthcare. 

Alistair Strathern MP said:

“Any trip to hospital can be traumatic enough as an adult, let alone as a younger child. Yet far too often, we can treat young people simply as patients, rather than children first and foremost. 

"No child should face trauma when receiving vital healthcare and therapeutic play is one of the most powerful ways we can deliver this.

“I’m proud to stand alongside those making play a part of treatment, not an afterthought, for so many in our hospitals and health settings.”

“This isn’t just about policy, it’s about people. It’s about the child who finds resilience and happiness ahead of surgery, the parent who sees their little one smile again, and the practitioner who knows that play can be the first step toward healing. Let’s make sure every child has that chance.”

Notes for Editors

You can see a clip of Strathern speaking at the end of the drop-in, here.

You can see an image attached of Strathern at the event.