We know our service is needed because we can see its real-life benefits for the children we work with.
The following case study, written by one of our past volunteers, illustrates how our service directly impacts the children we support: We started working with Becky* in December 2018. When we first met Becky, it was clear she was struggling with emotional regulation and getting on with other children. Becky really struggled to communicate and make eye contact. She was unable to focus and often lashed out physically when she got frustrated or upset. She would never participate in group games and often seemed completely dissociated from her surroundings. It was incredibly rare to see her smile and when she did it appeared to be more of a grimace. Over three months of working with Becky we witnessed a gradual but noticeable change in his behaviour. She slowly began to engage with our volunteers and participate in one on one games. After some time, she started to take part in circle games and activities with other children. She found activities that she really enjoyed doing, especially playdough, Connect 4 (with hers own set of rules) and playing running games. Towards the end of our time with becky, she had begun to speak to us. Her transformation is one of the most notable we have seen. She is the perfect example of how the opportunity to play in a safe environment is what children need to process their experiences and build resilience against ongoing challenges.