Made for the long hours in hospital.
Smile Optimistic Studio CIC is a creative social enterprise based in Greater Manchester, developing tools to support emotional wellbeing and connection during and after long-term medical treatment.
From lived experience to practical tools
Founder and Creative Director Yuliia Barsukova developed the Hospital Joy Toolkit from years spent alongside her daughter during cancer treatment, and from a commitment to protecting childhood, choice and emotional connection in healthcare environments.
The studio combines lived experience, creative development and professional learning. Its first printed resource is a set of 26 emotional support cards for ages 4–6.
Lada Barsukova
Lada is not only part of the studio’s founding story. She actively contributes to the development of the Hospital Joy Toolkit, offering a lived-experience perspective on the emotional relevance, language and meaning of the cards.
Her contribution helps keep the child’s point of view central in the design process.
Professional contributions
Health Play Specialists have shared professional knowledge and experience that helped inform the development of the cards. Their contribution is acknowledged in the Practice & Training Guide.