Service children support network early years conference for facebook
Scsn newsletter winter 11
1. SCSN Support Network
Service Children
In this issue….
The SCSN Annual Conference
‘Setting Sail in Falmouth’
‘HMS Heroes’
The Clear Sky Children’s Foundation
Sharing Best Practice to
support Service Children Winter 2011
2. SCSN Update
As I write this the darker evenings are well and truly
upon us, Halloween and the cheerful visits from the
young ‘Trick or Treaters’ from the Patch are done Heather Ogburn (left) and some
for another year, Remembrance Sunday is fast fellow delegates at the Falmouth Event.
approaching and we have been reflecting on a very
busy period for SCSN. It is hard to believe that after prosperous 2011 and that you will spare a thought
the many months of planning and hard work the for those Service families who will be separated
inaugural SCSN Conference finally went ahead on from their deployed loved ones at this special time.
7th November and the feedback we have received In particular, please remember those families who
thus far shows that it was an extremely useful and have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country
informative event. Drawing delegates from across this year and will be facing their first Christmas
the whole of the UK and Germany, it was really alone.
good to have such a wide range of people present
who were keen to share their experiences with each Joy O’Neill - Founder and Chair, SCSN
other. We were also pleased to host a film crew
from the British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) To end, I would just like to share a letter that I
News Team at the event and they conducted a received earlier this week…
series of interviews with speakers and delegates
that was subsequently aired across the whole
Forces community on their daily news programme. Dear Editor,
I hope that I qualify to contribute to your SCSN
The Conference came hot on the heels of another newsletter. As a grandparent to three service
event that Kev and I hosted at the National children (now young people) for the past 20 years I
Maritime Museum in Falmouth, Cornwall, at the feel that I have some connection. I must congratu-
end of October. Cornwall has a large population of late you and all the professionals involved for the
Service children associated with RNAS Culdrose, one wonderful way that you are seeking to help improve
of the busiest helicopter airfields in Europe and the the lot of service children.
largest single employer in the County. Quite a few
RAF families live in the area around RAF St Mawgan I read with interest all the articles and information
and RAF Portreath too, and of course, a large displayed on your website. Long may it continue.
number of RN and RM families live in Cornwall and Life for anyone is full of positives and negatives, but
Devon due to the presence of the Devonport the experiences for service children can only stand
dockyard and the RM Commando Training Centre at them in good stead for later life, for example, they
Lympstone. Professionals in the area often feel a see new parts of the UK or overseas, they absorb
little cut off from sources of support and SCSN are the culture that they are living in and they make
keen to reach out and help where we can. new friends (some of which remain friends for many
Coincidentally, we have just been informed that the years) they also know that there are other families
Cornwall Community Fund has approved a SCSN bid going through the same highs and lows as them-
for funds to support future training events in the selves. If things do not run according to plan then
County so we plan to return in the new year. your organization is now at hand to help.
So, as we brace ourselves for the winter months and
start to prepare for the Festive Season ahead, we Yours sincerely,
hope that each and everyone of you has had a ‘A Service Grandmother’
3. So what do Heroes do?
To date they have created their logo, motto and
their own ‘passport to School’ to help Service family
children to integrate quickly. They have talked to
serving members about what it feels like when they
are left at home to raise adult awareness of the
stresses of deployment and interviewed an MP and
the Councillors about Service life and accompanying
issues. They have even given a presentation to the
MOD. Heroes have supported many events includ-
HMS Heroes ing a dedication and wreath laying in their own area
of the Field of Remembrance at Wootton Bassett,
paraded their standard at the Second Tank regiment
- ‘Together as One’ return and the 3 Brigade Service and parade in
Plymouth. The standard has also been paraded at
Her Majesty's Schools (HMS) Heroes is a unique Tri-
Festivals of Remembrance in Devon and Plymouth
Service pupil voice group formed in the City of
and wreaths have been laid by Heroes at various
Plymouth that enables Service children and young
memorial services in their areas. Heroes members
people, from pre-school age to eighteen, to meet
thrive on supporting others and engaging in inter-
and share their challenges, successes and
generational dialogue. They designed their own
aspirations in an atmosphere of safety and
standard dedication service, were at the heart of the
understanding. Heroes promote peer support and
recent anniversary of the Blitz commemoration and,
provide a wide range of child initiated activities and
most importantly, are firm supporters of the Royal
projects to strengthen the bonds of friendship and
British Legion raising £900 in this, their 90th
understanding. Most importantly, Heroes are friends
anniversary year.
for each other, especially in times of need.
The Future?
HMS Heroes Invite You to Join Up!
The group aims to grow membership across the
country so that, wherever they find themselves,
Any school, pre- school, out of school club or cadet there will be Heroes nearby, that they can join, to
force can join HMS Heroes . In Plymouth alone, share and celebrate Service life and community
Heroes already have over 1500 members of pre- engagement. Look out for Heroes and their
school, primary and secondary school age and will Standard, a Google search will show some of what
affiliate to the Royal British Legion, our active we do, as does our website. Looking forward, a busy
supporter, by the end of 2011. Heroes meet in their programme is planned with many events throughout
schools and settings and, in Plymouth, delegates the academic year and across the school holidays. A
from each of these groups meet approximately once member of Heroes will carry the Olympic Torch
a month to report on their support network and through Plymouth in May 2012 and work is
share practice. They also engage in a variety of underway to support British Armed Forces Day
projects that link them all together. All Heroes 2012. Locally, Heroes will be developing their pupil
groups have a dedicated space on our website, full voice to work with the wider Youth Parliament
use of the logo and motto and they can purchase scheme and will be considering the way they
Heroes T shirts at cost. The delegate meetings are communicate their thoughts and ideas across
also within the minimal membership fee. Heroes society. Most importantly, Heroes continue to work
have their own unique Royal British Legion together to help themselves and their families to
Standard. This is paraded at many events and each cope with deployment.
individual group holds the standard for one week,
each year. This includes a free session on standard Join Up!
bearing and the history and significance of standards For further information please go to
from an experienced RBL standard bearer. The www.hmsheroes.co.uk or contact:
Standard s sponsored by the RBL and businesses. heather.ogburn@plymouth.gov.uk
Telephone: 01752 307485
4. SCSN Profile
Name:
Sue Webster
Occupation:
University Lecturer
So what’s your background?
I began my career in banking and finance and it was during this time that I married and
became a young Service wife on a RAF station in Norfolk. After becoming a parent, I
found the career I was looking for and worked in the voluntary sector leading an early
years setting before achieving a leading role in an Early Excellence Centre in Chipping
Norton with responsible for outreach and training. Later developing a Sure Start Local
programme in Coventry, I have undertaken a variety of consultancy and evaluation roles
with a focus on leadership development in the a range of organisations developing
integrated working approaches.
What are your most recent achievements?
I have extensive experience developing and writing leadership development materials
including contributing to the National Professional Qualification in Integrated Centre
Leadership (NPQICL) programme and undergraduate modules at University of Warwick.
I have also developed and delivered training for NPQICL facilitators and mentors,
facilitates an NPQICL learning community and have coordinated the national Children’s
Centre Leaders’ Network (CCLN). Through my role with CCLN, I re-engaged with Service
life through the experiences of children’s centre leaders supporting Service families and
creating children’s centre activities on military bases. My published works include
research in the EECERA journal and contributions to two edited textbooks, both with a
leadership focus.
What are you working on at the moment?
I teach on the Early Childhood degree at the University of
Warwick and in Singapore. I have an MA in Early Childhood
Education and am currently undertaking Doctoral study to
investigate the experience of early childhood in a military
family.
5. “…children are disappearing from the chance to get up close and personal with the
stones! The walk will be approximately 3 miles in
outdoors at a rate that would make the
total and is suitable for all ages - however we would
top of any conservationist’s list of recommend sturdy pushchairs for younger children.
endangered species if they were any Booking is essential so if you are interested in
other member of the animal kingdom…” attending an event then please email Lisa on
lisam@wiltshirewildlife.org or call 07872 117384 to
Gill (2005)
book your place!
There’s nothing quite as refreshing as an afternoon
spent doing something a little different in the great
In 2012 we have many more exciting events planned
outdoors, and there are plenty of special places to
at a green space near you so keep your eyes open
be explored. But did you know that there are lots of
exciting events taking place across Salisbury Plain for posters, or find us on Facebook by searching
where you can learn about the natural world on ‘There is space here project’ and hitting the ‘like’
your doorstep? Well, you can with the ‘There is button to receive regular updates about the project!
Space Here!’ project! We provide opportunities for In 2012 we’re also offering FREE outdoor play
families living in Bulford, Larkhill, Tidworth and training events to parents, teachers, childcare
Warmister and the best bit is that they’re all FREE! providers and community workers. If you’re
interested in finding out more about this training
then please send us an email on
The ‘There is Space Here!’ project was created to bethw@wiltshirewildlife.org.
enable residents from military dominated areas to
explore the nature on their doorstep. We are
working with local communities, promoting greater There are endless opportunities to learn and enjoy
understanding of where these special spaces are through the natural world and we hope that you’ll
and how they can be enjoyed by kids and adults come and join us at one of our events to see just
alike. The project received funding from Natural how much fun it can be! If you would like more
England’s Access to Nature programme, The Big information on any of these opportunities or are
Lottery, The Army Welfare Service, Wiltshire interested in hearing about our events in 2012 then
Wildlife Trust and the Underwood Trust and so far please email the project officer on
we have created over 100 opportunities for children bethw@wiltshirewildlife.org or call 07824 639634.
and families to get out and explore their local
environment and have attracted over 3500 people!
This December we have 2 great events taking place.
On 8th December at the Beeches Community Centre
in Bulford, and on 9th December at the Larkhill
Community Centre you can join from 3.15pm to
have a go at making a wonderful Christmas lantern
and then join us on a walk to the local woodland
where we will go on a starlit adventure together to
find Santa Claus! We also have an event planned on
22nd December where we’ll be walking from Larkhill
community centre at 7am to Stonehenge to join in
with the winter solstice celebrations, giving you a
6. SCSN Conference 2011
Joy O’Neill opened proceedings with an overview of
SCSN, its aims and objectives, before I took the floor
to give a basic explanation of what an operational
deployment actually involves from the military
perspective.
Operational Deployment and
its impacts on Service Children
On 7th November 120 delegates gathered at the
Clare Foundation in Bucks for the inaugural SCSN Our first guest speaker was Mike Hughesman of SCE
Annual Conference. With the central theme of Germany who discussed ‘Deployment Support’, part
‘Operational Deployments and its impacts on Service of the SCE strategy for the emotional well-being of
Children’, the aim was to bring together a variety of Service children.
subject matter expert speakers and delegates from a
wide range of fields to explore the issues that
parental deployments bring. SCSN were also pleased
to welcome the British Forces Broadcasting Service
(BFBS) News Team who came along to film the event
and would broadcast the piece across the Forces
world through their daily news programme.
After a break for coffee, Mike was followed by David
Trickey, a clinical psychologist who specialises in the
impacts of trauma and bereavement. David has a
wonderfully engaging style and he certainly gave the
audience a great deal to think about as he outlined
how the human body reacts to traumatic events and
why, in some cases, emotional problems can occur
and how they can be addressed effectively.
7. A new project for Veteran’s
families with infants.
We are pleased to announce the setting up of a new
pilot project for veterans and their families within
David was followed by Maj Lew Webb, a relationship Oxfordshire run by The Infant Parent Perinatal
counsellor with extensive experience of counselling Service, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust. The
in a military context. project targets parents (mother and/or father) in the
perinatal period, that is, who are expecting a baby
or have one child under 12 months. We recognise
After a break for a buffet lunch, we reconvened for a that families of veterans sometimes have particular
series of workshops and the delegates were divided needs for support in the perinatal period related to
into smaller groups. Each group rotated through their experiences at work (including long periods of
each workshop in turn. These included a session separation due to postings and the impact of
hosted by Ann Rowland, a Clinical Psychologist from adverse experiences for example Post Traumatic
the Child Bereavement Charity which considered Stress Disorder).
how to support children who were bereaved as a
result of an operational deployment. Research shows that early intervention in families
experiencing difficulties can have a dramatic
beneficial impact on family functioning and
The groups were then given a presentation by a
outcomes for children, including more harmonious
team from the RAF Benson Community Primary
parent-child relationships, better peer relationships
School which looked at strategies for supporting
and higher educational achievements. Whilst the
Service pupils through operational deployments and
remit of IPPS is to work with families who have
transitions. RAF Benson School has an almost unique
children up to 12 months of age, older siblings
perspective on Service childrens’ issues because
within the family are also likely to benefit from the
they are ‘behind the wire’ on the RAF Station and
therapeutic work via their parent’s increased
almost all their pupils are from Service families.
sensitivity and self awareness.
We are now taking referrals for this service so any
workers or family members who think we may be
able to help a family who fit the criteria (pregnant or
with a child under 12 months) please contact us on
0845 219 1454
or email ipps@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk
Forthcoming Event
The final session was chaired by Joy O’Neill and Suffolk County Council has commissioned SCSN
discussed how to access further support resources to deliver training in the county on the 24th
and how to link effectively with other relevant and 25th February 2012.
agencies. Liza Wormell of the Bucks County Children
and Young People’s Trust closed the session with a The sessions entitled ‘Service Children: The implica-
presentation about the Common Assessment tions of Parental Deployment and High Mobility’ is
Framework (CAF) and how it can be used effectively available for practitioners who are working in Suffolk
to help ensure parity of treatment and support. with children and families in HM Forces. To apply for
the course go to www.suffolkcpd.co.uk using course
Kev O’Neill, SCSN Admin Director. code: SSC
8. sitting on the floor around a rug served with chai
(Afghan tea) and typical Afghan nibbles.
‘Burkhas, Kites and Shuras’
- Learning about Afghanistan
A new subject has been put on the timetable for SCE
schools in Germany: Afghanistan. Lessons were Designing and making kites was a very popular
suspended on cross-curricular days so that pupils at activity, during which the children discovered how
Hohne Garrison schools could learn about life in kite-flying has come to represent freedom in
Afghanistan – the country, its people and their Afghanistan after being banned under the Taliban.
culture. The wearing of the burkha by Afghan women was
debated by the older children, whilst all had the
Mel Bradley who runs the Afghan Appeal Fund came opportunity to try on the real thing along with other
up with the idea and helped the schools to get traditional Afghan clothing.
going. Deputy Head Michelle Strong explained the
thinking behind Gloucester School’s participation;
“We feel that it is very important to raise awareness
about what life is really like in Afghanistan among
both pupils and staff. We have children whose
parents are deployed in Afghanistan and this is an
ideal opportunity for them to learn more about the
country”.
Major Si Bradley RE started many of the school
sessions off with a presentation to the pupils about
his experience of the country. Two tours of
Afghanistan and his involvement with the Afghan
Appeal Fund means that he is particularly well
qualified to talk about the region. “It was important
to get across something about the people in
Afghanistan and their culture. The pupils were really
interested and seemed to get a lot out of it”.
Various workshops took place, including Q&A
sessions ‘shura-style’ – the traditional Afghan
meeting usually convened to discuss local disputes -
9. Christine Lea from Slim School said “Mel and Si were deploying there, summed up perfectly by Katie aged
able to give both the teachers and the children a 10: “Before Afghanistan Day I didn’t even want to
valuable insight into the ‘real Afghanistan’. The learn about it. I hated the sound of it. Now I know
quality of the photographs and Si’s first-hand that Afghanistan isn’t just about dying; our dad’s are
knowledge added to the experience. All the heroes and we should be happy that they are
presentations were pitched perfectly so that helping poor people.”
everyone gained more of an understanding of the
country and its people. The children loved trying on
To find out more about this project or the Afghan
the Afghan clothing and tasting the snacks.”
Appeal Fund, please contact:
Mel Bradley
Many of the schools involved have linked the Tel: 07777 606504
Afghanistan Awareness project into fundraising for Email: info@afghanappealfund.org.uk
the Afghan Appeal Fund – a British forces charity Web: www.afghanappealfund.org.uk
working to improve education in Afghanistan, Afghan Poppies - by Leanne McCarthy, 11,
primarily by building schools there. Montgomery Shackleton School
School auctioned off the beautiful Afghan artwork
the children had created along with celebrity
autographs to raise an amazing £2000 for the
charity. Following the success of the project in
Hohne schools, Paderborn Garrison schools have
also taken it on board as many of their children’s
parents make up the latest deployment to
Afghanistan. Wilma Wilson, head teacher at William
Wordsworth said “The materials, worksheets and
ideas are extremely informative and greatly
appreciated and we all look forward to working with
our children and families to learn more about this
vast and diverse country; its scenery, music, food ,
traditions and culture over the next six months.”
As well as the children gaining a better Don’t Forget!..
understanding of Afghanistan, the children come
away with a more positive outlook on their parents
A Great Stocking Filler!
The SCSN Calendar 2012 is still available, on
sale in aid of Ten for Ten’ for only £8.00 plus p+p.
You can order a copy from
contact@servicechildrensupportnetwork.com
Greetings Cards are also available!
10. SCSN Sets Sail
to Falmouth!
Kev enjoying a cuppa with Julia Pickerill,
a Family Information Adviser from Falmouth
the event. They were open to new ideas and very
willing to share their own experiences with their
fellow delegates.
Joy discussing Postings and Transitions. The discussions were lively and it was wonderful to
see such a range of people represented, from
October saw Joy and Kev O’Neill take an SCSN Headteachers, Governors and other school staff, to
presentation on the road to Cornwall and the LA representatives, members of the military
National Maritime Museum in Falmouth proved to community in the South West and key professionals
be an excellent venue. from the NHS.
Following up on requests from the area, Joy had
arranged an ‘Introductory Workshop’ which drew
delegates from across Cornwall and as far afield as
Plymouth and Devon which of, course, has a very
strong affiliation with the Royal Navy, the Royal
Marines, and their families.
With particular focus on Transitions and Mobility,
together with Operational Deployments and their
impacts on Service children and their families, the The venue was very comfortable and the
day went very well. The audience were very Museum made sure we had everything
receptive and keen to get as much as possible from we needed.
11. Each brought their own particular perspective to the
discussions and were very willing to get involved as
the day developed. Many of the delegates
commented that they were concerned that although
there was a large military community in the region,
due to the location of RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall,
the navy dockyard at Devonport in Plymouth, as well
as the Royal Marines at Lympstone, they felt very
cut off from sources of information and felt that
they were unable to access additional support and
training when they needed it.
Post script: Feedback from the event was very
positive and it is clear that SCSN events will be well
received in this area in future.
SCSN has recently been informed that a bid for
financial support from the Cornwall Community
Fund has been successful and we will be able to
mount other training sessions in the County in the
New Year. Therefore, we are very keen to hear
from members in Cornwall who have ideas that
they wish SCSN to explore at the next event. Please
Maj George Vosper of the TA sharing e-mail us from the link on the SCSN website.
his experiences with his fellow delegates.
The Falmouth Event was subsidised using funds
from the Big Lottery.
Kev found the delegates were very
Keen to get involved in discussions.
Heather Ogburn, Snr Adviser, Services for Children
and Young People, Plymouth City Council, then gave
us a very interesting presentation about ‘HMS
Heroes’, a new initiative whereby Service Children
can help to support each other (see the HMS Heroes
article in this newsletter).
Kev O’Neill
SCSN Admin Director Joy with John Pattison of
the Devon NHS Trust.
12. Michael Smith, former soldier, Defence Editor of the
Sunday Times and professional writer; Joy O'Neill,
Service wife, mother and Founder of the Service
Children Support Network. We hope you enjoy this
small selection of the winning entries.
Missing You
By Joel Sempala-Ntege
When my dad went away,
Writing Competition 2011 I felt very sad.
When I was four,
-The Results! My dad went to war
And I was very worried.
We are delighted to announce the winners of the
Ten for Ten writing competition for schools that was Missing You
held this year. The theme for entries was ‘Missing By Eva Gooderam
You’ and there were some wonderful entries from
all over the country. The judges were very I asked if you could stay forever,
impressed with the high standard that was set! The but your reply was no,
poems and stories were both thought provoking I thought you would be there for me,
and extremely moving to read. The schools reported why did you have to go?
that the children had actively enjoyed this chance to
write about difficult feelings - something that they Every night I pray to you,
are not often given the opportunity to do. The wishing I was not on my own,
judges would like to congratulate all those who took for you to come back to me,
part. After much deliberation the winners selected to see how I have grown.
were:
You taught me how to ride a bike,
5-6 Years Old to walk and talk and swim,
1st - Stephanie Lovatt-Williams, To think that you have left me now
Leehurst Swan School. makes my life feel grim.
2nd - Joel Sempala-Ntege,
Watchfield Primary School. I wonder if you think of me
as often as I think of you,
7-10 Years Old But if you did I’d imagine you here
standing proudly next to me,
1st - Alessandra Barbour,
I hear you laugh, I hear you cry
Leehurst Swan School.
but never did I hear goodbye.
2nd - Leon Herring,
I asked if you could stay forever,
Radey Primary School.
but your reply was no.
11-13 Years Old
Missing You
1st - Thomad Whitbread, By Leon Herring
Cothill House School.
2nd - Eva Gooderham, When the wind blows and the dead leaves scuttle,
Needham Market Middle School. I think of you.
When I’m lonely and scared,
Ten for Ten would also like to thank the judges of I think of you.
for giving up their valuable time, their enthusiasm When I cry and I’m sad,
and expertise: Jenny Lewis Poet, playwright and I think of you.
children's author who teaches poetry at Oxford When I dream at night,
University; Veronica Thorneloe, mother of Colonel I think of you.
Rupert Thorneloe who died in Afghanistan in 2009; I will never forget you.
13. Communicating with Children and
Young People Bereaved by Sudden Death
Regional Study Days throughout 2012
An interactive study day which will consider the needs and issues relating to
children and young people bereaved by sudden death and the skills and
resources required to support them. Kindly hosted by Irwin Mitchell LLP around England
between January and June 2012
Programme to include:
· Children’s understanding of death
· How children and young people grieve
· Particular challenges around sudden death
· What you need to know about inquests
· Creative ways of supporting children and young people
· Examples of direct work with children and young people
· Managing our own feelings, and ways in which to support ourselves and our colleagues
Suitable for all those who come into contact with bereaved children and young people in the course of their
work, whether in the statutory or voluntary sector
Details of the day: Venues: For further details please contact:
10.00am – 4.00pm Irwin Mitchell LLP
CBC Training Department
(Registration 9.30am) Email:
Birmingham – January
FEE: £45 training@childbereavement.org.uk
Leeds – February
(To include refreshments
London – March Tel: 01494 568926
& light lunch)
Manchester – April
Kindly sponsored by Newcastle – May www.childbereavement.org.uk
Irwin Mitchell LLP Sheffield - June
Charity Number 1040419
14. Amongst the services available in the UK, Play
Therapy is the most appropriate in meeting the
needs of children who are experiencing difficulties.
Some schools employ counselling services, but
unfortunately, talking therapies require
Blue sophisticated verbal expression and the ability to
think abstractly. Play enables expression without
Skies the restriction of making their creation verbally
comprehensive.
Ahead
‘Children express themselves more fully and more
With directly through self-initiated spontaneous play
Clear Sky Children’s than they do verbally because they are more
comfortable with play. For children to ‘play out’
Foundation. their experiences and feeling is the most natural
dynamic and self-healing process in which children
can engage’
In 2002, Olivia was 9 years old. Sadly, she lost her
(Adapted from Landreth, 1991)
Mum and has since experienced high anxiety in
everyday situations and chronically low self-
esteem which has continued into adulthood. It is human nature to hold the desire for self-
realisation and this comes about through the
growth of one’s personality. Interactions from the
Conscious of the devastating affect of grief on her environment alter the child’s perception of the
little sister, Sophia Giblin (25) did some research world on a daily basis and each experience
into the support strategies available that could have contributes to the overall design of ‘the self’. If the
helped Olivia. Sophia found that there was very little child experiences positive experiences, this child will
psychological support available for children and likely grow up to be well adjusted and self-assured.
young people in the UK; and even less services that A child is ultimately positive; they are usually quick
are age appropriate. In 2010 Sophia founded Clear to forgive and forget negative experiences and,
Sky Children’s Foundation. unless the experiences are particularly bad, they will
accept life as they find it with eagerness. Individuals
strive to fulfil basic needs and when these needs are
directly met, the individual is said to be well
adjusted. Virginia Axline, founder of the
fundamental 8 principles of Play Therapy, states
that:
‘When the seeking effort to satisfy these needs is
blocked, devious paths are taken to bring about
satisfaction, and the individual is said to be
maladjusted’
(Axline, 1989)
Much of this self-realisation process is carried out
below ‘surface level’. The child has a ‘concept’ of
the individual he is striving to be, and problems
occur when the actual individual and the concept
are different; the bigger the incongruence, the more
maladjusted the child is likely to be. Play Therapy
assumes that the child has the ability to solve their
own problems and ‘grow’ and children inherently
strive for good; i.e. mature behaviour is more
15. satisfying than immature. Non-Directive Therapy and parents who feel children would benefit
allows the child the permissiveness to be from Play Therapy. The bus and therapist
themselves, without evaluation or pressure to will be hired out by schools for a minimum
change. Therapists offer a non-judgemental of 1 day a week for 12 weeks; this allows for
reflection of the child’s actions so that the child is a maximum of six children in need to benefit
able to learn about themselves with the idea that from the recommended 12 sessions(subject
the child will from their own opinions of their to review) required for a positive effect..
behaviour and ultimately, they will adapt their Ÿ Clear Sky aims to provide education and
behaviour to be closer to the concept they hold of training for parents and professionals
themselves. The therapy room allows the child to working directly with children. This will be
play out their feelings, accept this as part of them, achieved by providing workshops outlining
adapt the behaviour or abandon it completely. the benefits of play and techniques used to
nurture a child’s opportunities for play.
Ÿ Clear Sky recognises the benefits of research
and aim to conduct and fund outside
research projects on Play Therapy and its
effectiveness.
Ÿ Play Therapy aims to help children to cope
and come to terms with difficult issues such
as bereavement of a parent or sibling, divorce,
separation, abuse, educational frustration and
other feelings and emotions that at this tender
age may not be fully understood.
For someone like Olivia, Play therapy might have
provided the opportunity to reject the feelings of
anxiety and to develop resilience that is so
important in life. Many children of service men and
women experience separation and loss. We feel that
Play Therapy may be the key to promoting resilience
in these children and Clear Sky aim to enable them
to develop their own sense of self without the
constraints of outside influences. Play allows
The child is an individual in their own right; they are children to be children for as long as possible.
not subject to the emotion of others and they are Clear Sky hope to reach many children and address
able to ‘spread their wings’ and take a good look at these issues at a young age in order to set children
themselves. Within the therapy room, the child is on the right path.
given the opportunity to channel this inner growth,
becomes aware of their ability to solve their own
problems, make their own choices and take Currently, Clear Sky Children’s Foundation, based in
responsibility for themselves in a way they have not Oxfordshire, are applying for funding from the MOD
community fund in order to make a dedicated effort
experienced. Within this, they experience feelings of
in helping the children of service men and women.
security from a friendly therapist who offers total
permissiveness, participation, acceptance and
Please contact info@clear-sky.org.uk or visit our
understanding.
website at www.clear-sky.org.uk for more
information.
Clear Sky’s mission has three main objectives. Follow us on Twitter for up to date news
Ÿ Clear Sky will provide a mobile Play Therapy @ClearSkyCF
service in the form of a bespoke Therapy
Bus in order to ensure equal opportunities References:
to therapy regardless of financial stature or Axline, V.M. (1989) Play Therapy. Livingstone.
geographical location. Therapy will be Landreth, G. (1991) A Decade of APT Newsletters
delivered based on referrals from teachers Part Two 1987-1991, Association of Play Therapy.
