Chelsea Stuart is this year’s winner of the Health-Related Play Award, recognised for the extraordinary difference she makes to children, young people and families during their time in hospital.
Working as a Health Play Assistant on a children’s ward, Chelsea has earned admiration from colleagues and families alike for her creativity, compassion and ability to connect with children of all ages. Praised for developing innovative and interactive activities for patients from birth to 18 years old, her enthusiasm, professionalism and dedication to health-related play made her a standout recipient of this year’s award.
Despite spending her days encouraging confidence and self-belief in others, Chelsea found it difficult to believe she had won herself.
Honestly, it’s extremely surreal. When I first opened the email and saw the word ‘winner’, I thought it was spam! Then I started reading it properly and thought, ‘Someone is playing a joke on me?’ I genuinely couldn’t believe it. I’m still in complete disbelief that I’ve won.
I honestly can’t put into words how special it feels to know that someone felt my work was worthy of being recognised. I’m absolutely over the moon, incredibly grateful and still pinching myself that this has actually happened.
Chelsea’s warmth and sense of humour are central to the way she approaches her work. While health-related play is a recognised and important therapeutic tool within paediatric healthcare, Chelsea brings her own personality and creativity to every interaction, helping children feel more comfortable in an environment that can often be daunting.
If you asked anyone, I worked with about what I do in the hospital, they would tell you: she makes a mess everywhere she goes!
My role is so varied, which is one of the things I love most about it. Some days I’m getting covered in paint, playing games or encouraging children to use their imagination and simply enjoy being children. Other days I’m spending time with young people who don’t necessarily want to play, they just need someone to sit with, listen to them, distract them for a while or be a familiar face who makes them feel safe and understood. Every child is different, and I love being able to adapt to whatever they need that day.
A key part of Chelsea’s role involves helping children cope with difficult treatments, unfamiliar surroundings and long periods away from home. However, her support extends far beyond the young patients she works with. She also provides reassurance and comfort to parents, carers and siblings, recognising that a child’s hospital stay affects the entire family.
For Chelsea, supporting those around the child is one of the most rewarding aspects of her work.
I have the privilege of supporting siblings and families, because a hospital stay doesn’t just affect the patient, it affects everyone who loves them. Whether it’s creating opportunities for families to spend quality time together or helping organise special events that bring excitement and joy to the ward, I love being part of moments that make happy memories.
One of the most rewarding parts of my job is walking alongside children and their families throughout their hospital journey. I get to celebrate the happy moments with them, be there through the difficult ones and offer comfort and support. I help families create precious memories and keepsakes during some of the most emotional moments of their journey, giving them something special to treasure forever.
I’m incredibly proud to be able to provide this for families and to play a small part in creating memories that mean so much. The relationships I build with children and families are so special and meaningful to me, and those connections are something I will always hold very close to my heart.
Chelsea’s advocacy, creativity and passion for health-related play reflect the principles championed by Children’s Health Scotland. She is someone who consistently goes above and beyond, helping children feel seen, heard and valued while ensuring families receive support when they need it most.
Yet despite the profound impact she has on others, Chelsea remains humble and sees herself simply as someone lucky enough to do a job she loves.
What I love most about my role is that I get to be exactly who I am, a big kid at heart! I love messy play (the messier the better), being creative and making children laugh. I’m a huge Disney, Pokémon and gaming fan myself, so I love that I get to share those things with the children and get excited about the things they’re passionate about too.
The biggest privilege for me is getting to know each child and their family. Spending time with them, building trust and watching those relationships grow is something I’ll never take for granted.
Among the many special memories she has created, one particular experience perfectly captures why her work matters so much.
I was working with a patient who had very limited communication. Her mum had missed her say her name for the first time in a long time, which she was understandably upset about. After spending quality play time, she said her name again and this time her mum was there to hear it and even managed to get a recording of her voice. Seeing how much this meant to mum reminded me that sometimes the smallest moments can make the biggest difference. That’s exactly why I love what I do.
The judging panel was particularly impressed by Chelsea’s passion, dedication and advocacy for health-related play. Her personality shone through the nomination, alongside a deep commitment to ensuring children and young people experience comfort, joy and understanding during their healthcare journey. They recognised the significant impact she has on children and families, helping to make difficult experiences more positive through the power of play.
Helen Forrest, Chief Executive of Children’s Health Scotland, said:
Chelsea embodies everything that health-related play should be. Through her creativity, kindness and ability to connect with children and families, she helps transform hospital experiences and creates moments of joy, confidence and comfort when they are needed most. Her passion for her role shines through in everything she does, making her a truly deserving recipient of this year’s Health-Related Play Award.
Through her kindness, imagination and unwavering dedication, Chelsea Stuart has brought comfort, joy and treasured memories to countless children and families. This award celebrates not only her outstanding contribution to health-related play, but also the lasting impact she continues to make in the lives of those she supports every day.
Congratulations, Chelsea.
Join Us for Scottish Children’s Health Week
The Scottish Children’s Health Awards are part of Scottish Children’s Health Week, a national celebration of children and young people’s health, wellbeing and rights.
From inspiring award winner stories to activities, resources and opportunities to get involved, Scottish Children’s Health Week shines a spotlight on the importance of ensuring every child understands their rights and has the support they need to thrive.
Whether you’re a child, young person, parent, carer, professional or supporter, we’d love you to join the conversation. Share your messages of support using #MyHealthMyRights and #SCHW2026, explore this year’s activities, and help us create a Scotland where every child is #HealthRightsAware.
Visit https://www.childrenshealthscotland.org/events/scottish-childrens-health-week/ to learn more, download resources, and discover how you can take part in Scottish Children’s Health Week 2026.
Want to Nominate for 2027?
Do you know an individual or team using health-related play to make a difference to the lives of children and young people?
The Health-Related Play Award recognises those who use play to support children’s physical, emotional and mental wellbeing, helping them cope with treatment, build confidence and improve their healthcare experiences.
Nominations for the Scottish Children’s Health Awards 2027 are now open.
To nominate for the Health-Related Play Award, visit:
https://www.childrenshealthscotland.org/events/awards/health-related-play-award/
