Play is important at Rainbow Trust

Playing uses toys, games, and creativity to help children express themselves and work through difficult emotions. Playing provides a safe and comfortable space for children to explore their feelings and can be used to help with behavioural or emotional difficulties. The focus is on play as a natural outlet for children’s self-expression.

Play sessions are non-directive and allow children to express themselves and work through emotions at their own pace. This works particularly well for children as it does not rely on the spoken word and means children do not need to articulate their thoughts and emotions if they are unable to.

Children supported by Rainbow Trust are facing a unique set of challenges. They may be dealing with fear, anxiety, and sadness related to their own or their sibling’s illness. They may also be struggling to cope with changes in their family routine or feeling isolated from friends. Play can help them address these issues in a way that feels natural and safe.

While children and young people's mental health and school counselling services can be fantastic resources, they may not always be readily available for all the children supported by Rainbow Trust. This is especially true when a child's struggles manifest differently at home than at school, causing their needs to go undetected.

Family Support Workers use play so children can explore their feelings about their illness or their sibling's illness, in a safe space to express fears, worries, and frustrations that might otherwise remain hidden.