Should you need urgent health advice please contact your GP or call NHS 111. In an emergency please visit A&E or call 999

Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland Change area

Helping children feel prepared for hospital visits with the Little Journey app

Children playing in nursery environment

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust has partnered with Little Journey to offer an app, developed by healthcare professionals, researchers, and families, to provide support before, during, and after a hospital visit.

The app helps children and parents understand what to expect from their hospital journey using age-appropriate information, interactive activities, and calming techniques. Features of the app include:

  • virtual hospital tours, allowing children to explore areas they will visit such as waiting rooms and treatment areas before they arrive
  • animations and simple explanations about procedures and treatments
  • relaxation exercises and distraction activities to help manage anxiety
  • helpful information and checklists for parents and carers to support preparation at home

By helping families understand what will happen during their visit, the app aims to reduce uncertainty and make hospital experiences less stressful.

Little Journey is free to download on Apple and Android devices and can be used at home before attending hospital.

To find out more, click here.

Image showing the front page of the Little Journey app

Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust is responsible for the writing, publishing and updating of the content on this page.

ChatHealth Logo

Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust runs a confidential secure text messaging service for parents of children aged 0-19 years called Chat Health. The service operates Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm, excluding bank holidays. All texts will be responded to by a public health nurse (health visitor/school nurse) within 24 hours. Outside of the service working hours, you’ll receive a message back to inform you that your text will be responded to once the line reopens.

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Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust runs the Healthy Together Helpline for parents and carers in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. The Helpline’s qualified health and administrative professionals offer easy to access, safe and free advice, support and signposting. Calls are answered from 9am – 4.30pm on weekdays, excluding bank holidays. Calls are charged at the same rate as calling a standard landline number.

Should you require urgent health advice in the meantime, please contact your GP, visit an NHS walk-in centre or call NHS 111. For emergencies, dial 999 or visit A&E.

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Page last reviewed: 13-04-2026

Next review due: 13-04-2029

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