University of Hertfordshire early years alumni wins national play therapy award

Former University of Hertfordshire early years student Sophie Roach has won a national play therapy award for helping children overcome their fear of medical procedures.

Sophie was crowned Health Play Specialist of the Year 2026 this week by Starlight, the UK's leading charity for children's play in healthcare, for her innovative work helping children cope with complex treatment and painful procedures.

After gaining a first in Early Childhood Education at the University of Hertfordshire, Sophie went on to qualify as a health play specialist and now works at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust helping children and young people with complex health needs who are undergoing medical assessments, investigations and treatment.

Sophie, who was herself born with a hole in the heart and suffered a serious stroke during open-heart surgery aged 18, said she was uniquely placed to be able to relate to patients and their families while still supporting staff.

“Play is like a friendly face to help you get through a difficult time – that extra bit of reassurance and communication while other staff are focused on their job. It's having that person allocated for you and the family. Without it, it would be so much more difficult. We make healthcare more tolerable, more manageable.”

Colleagues and patients nominated Sophie for her creativity in developing resources to make complex healthcare easier for children to understand, strategies for helping children cope with needles, and using role play to help children process what has happened after difficult procedures.

Sophie said:

“After the blood test – which is one of the most traumatic procedures on the outpatient ward – I get them to play with the medical equipment, rehearse it again, do it on me, so that their lasting memory is fun, rather than just 'someone put a needle in me'. Play is such a powerful tool in shaping what children think things are, versus what things actually are.”

Cathy Gilman, Chief Executive of Starlight Children's Foundation, said:

“Sophie’s work shows just how important health play specialists are to children’s healthcare. By taking the time to understand each child’s individual fears, building trust and giving them greater choice and control, she is helping children access the treatment they need while reducing distress and the risk of healthcare trauma.”

Learn more about studying Early Childhood Education at Herts.