By Tania Skae | Executive Director
Everything we do is about bringing the best quality play, circus magic and arts to children who are missing out. Play is important because
It protects mental health:
When children go through traumatic events, their brains are under stress. Play gives them a safe way to process fear, confusion, and grief without needing to explain it in words. It can reduce anxiety, depression, and symptoms of trauma.
It restores a sense of normal life:
In crisis situations, everything feels chaotic and unpredictable. Play brings back routine, familiarity, and a sense of control—things kids desperately need to feel safe again.
It supports brain development:
Even in emergencies, children’s brains are still developing. Play helps with learning, creativity, problem-solving, and emotional regulation. Without it, development can be delayed.
It helps build resilience:
Through play, children practice coping skills, like adapting to new situations, working through challenges, and interacting with others. This builds long-term resilience, which is critical after a crisis.
It strengthens social connections:
Play brings children together. In situations where families and communities may be disrupted, it helps rebuild trust, friendships, and a sense of belonging.
It creates moments of relief and joy
This is so simple yet so powerful. Even brief moments of laughter or fun can reduce stress hormones and give children emotional “breaks” from the crisis.
In addition to these benefits for children, we also bring moments of light, positivity and connection to parents and carers. We have recently been working in a refugee camp in Serres, Greece, with displaced children and mothers from Iraq and Sudan. On one very rainy day, where spirits were low, and the situation very bleak, our performers and entertainers brought music into the camp. As one of our team was playing the guitar softly in a small group, one mother of four children was present, but seemed removed, distant and didn't want to join or take part. As our team gently continued to play some familiar music, bit by bit the mother started to quitely hum, then to gently sing along. Then little by little she started to sway and to quietly dance and sing. This seemingly small moment highlights a number of points: it shows how through music and connection, we can start to break down barriers, to find inner confidence and memories of happiness, that can be found, shared and released in a safe space. This also helps to build bonds and connection between families and communities, where children can see their mother with a smile on her face and joining in, where otherwise the stress and trauma is all too present. So for people who are living in violent, terrifying conditions, where mothers, who usually are scared and coping with the day to day challenge, guilt and trauma of their children existing in such tough environments- they too have a chance to feel positive, respected and for them and their children to know that their happiness matters.
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By Tania Skae | Executive Director
By Tania Skae | Executive Director
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