Play encourages positivity, energises us and inspires curiosity. At PlayWell, we use it as the basis for all our work: in workshops, performances, talks and campaigns.

Psychologists and Mental Health professionals have long recognised the healing powers of play. Instead of seeing it as trivial or childish, there is now a widening belief that it is a pillar of positive mental and physical wellbeing. At PlayWell, we are passionate about celebrating this idea.

“Play energises us and enlivens us. It eases our burdens. It renews our natural sense of optimism and opens us.”

Dr Stuart Brown

When we are struggling we:

Feel like we are failing

Stop listening to ourselves and others

Think we are not enough

Poor Mental health is responsible for 72 million working days lost, costing £34.9 billion each year

Presenteeism accounts for 2 times more losses than absences

300,000 people with a long-term mental health condition lose their jobs every year

Only 16% of employees with a mental health condition disclose it to their line manager

Up to 75% of people with a diagnosable mental illness receive no treatment at all

1 in 6 workers will experience depression, anxiety or problems related to stress at any one time.

We believe that play enables us to look at problems with fresh eyes, develop trust and grow our collective confidence. Play teaches us that nothing is set in stone and everything is full of potential; we use it to find solutions, to connect, to be creative and to have fun.

After working with us, participants are equipped with techniques they can use to bring a bit of joy into everyday life.

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Further reading

Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul
Dr. Stuart Brown

Michael Rosen’s Book of Play: Why play really matters, and 101 ways to get more of it in your life
Michael Rosen

Homo Ludens: A Study of the Play-Element in Culture
Johan Huizinga

We are built by play
Ben Hamley

The Power of Play
Ash Perrin

PUTTING IT IN PRACTICE

Latest

PlayWell Mental health support programme to be piloted at Pleasance during EdFringe

Interview with BBC Radio Merseyside

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