Play Nurture
Sometimes children need more help than we can offer them during a busy community play session. This is why we have developed our more targeted support which we call Play Nurture.
It is how we help children impacted by adverse childhood experiences to cope with adversity and build resilience using the incredible power of play.
Our Play Nurture is aimed at children whose well-being is impacted by anxiety and stress, either as a result of the social and emotional challenges of everyday childhood, or because they are facing complex psychological and/or physical difficulties.
Two of our play team hold a post graduate certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills with Leeds Beckett University. Other staff have undertaken training in Counselling Skills for Working with Children with Place2Be, as well as training in play work and specific aspects of therapeutic play including Lego based therapy.
We provide Play Nurture in school settings and in our Play Sanctuary, both for individuals and small groups.
The Play Sanctuary
The Play Sanctuary is our own safe, private and nurturing play space where children can connect with our Play Rangers and build their resilience. In 2020, thanks to funding from the Postcode Local Trust, we opened the doors to our Play Sanctuary. The Play Sanctuary is intended for use with our Play Nurture work. It is purpose built, featuring a mud kitchen, play shack, den building space, a fire pit, a sand pit and a structure for hammocks and swings, located close to our office base in the heart of Gloucester. It is also a good small training space and can be used for meetings with people and organisations working to support children and young people.
“We honestly can’t thank you enough. B has really looked forward to these sessions every week, she has loved every minute & getting to know you all. B says she is so grateful that she was able to take part in these play sessions & loved every minute. She would like to thank everyone for their time & for helping her to learn new skills. She has made some new friends & will miss you all very much.”
“She has so much more confidence now she isn’t afraid to try new things and if she can’t do it she will try again and again. Thank you for being patient and understanding with her and giving her the time and space to play.”
“The Play Sanctuary is great, the fire, the games, the indoor bit, the sandpit is all brilliant. There are too many good things about The Play Sanctuary to decide which is the best bit”.
Play Nurture for Groups and Individuals
Our Play Rangers deliver sessions for individuals and small groups in places and spaces across the county. Our Play Nurture work provides children with the time and space to take part in child-led outdoor play and benefit from its restorative and healing qualities. Active and creative play activities including den building, sports, arts and crafts and campfire cooking provide children with adventures, friendship and fun alongside other children and our Play Rangers.
“The Play Rangers here are very supportive and nurturing. They nurture us like we’re newborns. It’s just so good that we don’t want it to end”
“This was really, really positive for our family. When she comes back, she’s happy, been in the great outdoors, lit the fire, cooked lunch, played with the others, all very positive for her self-esteem. That bit of independence but I’m knowing there’s someone truly professional at the back of her keeping an eye on things”.
“Play Nurture helps me with my anxiety. I know I can trust you and come here and be myself. I feel safe”