On Wednesday, October 8th, we celebrated Play Therapy Day, highlighting our Play Therapists and the positive impact play has on children and families at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH).
Play is so much more than arts & crafts: it’s essential for supporting emotional wellbeing, reducing anxiety, and allowing children to process their hospital experience. Through play, young patients build resilience, express feelings, and regain a sense of control.
This year’s Play Therapy Day featured a variety of activities, each offering unique benefits for patients and their families.
- Playdough: Provides comforting sensory engagement and a calming outlet for children navigating hospital life.
- Badge Making: Encourages self-expression and creativity by creating custom badges.
- Decorating Hospital Buddies: Allows patients to explore and share emotions in an alternative way.
- Window Mural: Builds a sense of community to work towards a common goal, with patients, families and staff invited to join in.
- Keyrings and Jellyfish Bracelets: A peaceful, mindful activity encouraging focus, relaxation, and creativity.
- Giant Connect 4: Nurtures problem-solving skills, quick thinking, and most importantly a sense of fun!
- Medical Play: Reduces the anxiety of hospital procedures through discovery, practice and play.
We were also joined by BIG W staff, who generously gave their time to help with the day’s activities and share in the fun. BIG W has long supported Play Therapy through their fundraising efforts, and their hands-on involvement made this year’s celebration even more special.
Thank you to our dedicated Play Therapy team and everyone who made Play Therapy Day such a meaningful experience!
The WCH Foundation is proud to support Play Therapy at the WCH. Learn more about Play Therapy here.
