Funded Play Therapy
Every Child Deserves Support
At WayMaker Child Therapy CIC, we understand that many families are struggling with the rising cost of living, and accessing therapeutic support for children can sometimes feel out of reach.
As a not-for-profit Community Interest Company, the heart of WayMaker has always been to ensure that every child can access the emotional support they need, regardless of financial circumstances.
We are delighted to share that we have received additional funding through The National Lottery Community Fund’s Awards for All programme. This funding allows us to provide a number of fully funded play therapy places for children and families who may need added support during difficult times.
On occasion we also receive sponsorship from local businesses through their Corporate Social Responsibility to sponsor a child through their play therapy process.
Is Your Child Struggling Emotionally, Socially or Behaviourally?
As a parent, it can feel worrying and overwhelming when your child is finding life difficult. You may notice changes in their emotions, behaviour, confidence, friendships, sleep, anxiety levels, or ability to cope day-to-day and feel unsure about how best to help.
You are not alone.
Play therapy gives children a safe space to express feelings they may not yet have the words for. Through the natural language of play, children can begin to process difficult experiences, develop emotional resilience, and feel more secure and understood.
At WayMaker, we work gently alongside both children and parents to provide support, reassurance, and hope.
What is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a recognised therapeutic approach that uses play to help children communicate emotions, process experiences, and develop healthier coping strategies.
Children often struggle to explain difficult feelings through words alone. In play therapy, toys, creativity, storytelling, art, movement, and sensory experiences become a way for children to safely express what is happening inside.
Therapeutic play can help children who may be experiencing:
Anxiety or worries
Low confidence or self-esteem
Emotional outbursts or anger
Bereavement or loss
Family separation or change
Trauma or difficult experiences
Social difficulties
School-based anxiety
Neurodivergent or sensory challenges
At WayMaker, we also offer a holistic approach, including sensory-informed support, emotional regulation strategies, and parent support to help children feel safe, connected, and understood.
Who Can Apply for Funded Support?
Our funded play therapy places are intended for families who may not otherwise be able to access private therapeutic support due to financial pressures or challenging circumstances.
We understand that many families are carrying a great deal right now, and we want to ensure children can receive help early, before difficulties become overwhelming.
Watch the video to find out more…
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Every child is unique, and the challenges they face can feel overwhelming for both them and their family.
The benefits of play therapy are wide-ranging it gives children a safe and supportive space to express what’s going on inside and to discover healthier ways of coping.
Children’s play therapy can support children who are experiencing difficulties such as:
Emotional Wellbeing
Anxiety, stress, or phobias
Low self-confidence or self-esteem
Mood swings or strong emotional outbursts
Family Challenges
Parental or family separation
Bereavement, trauma, or abuse
Attachment and relationship difficulties
Social & School Life
Friendship difficulties, bullying, or being bullied
Struggling to learn or reach academic potential
Communication or behavioural delays
Life Circumstances
Children who are looked after, fostered, or adopted
Young carers balancing extra responsibilities
Neurodivergent children, including those with autism or ADHD
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Taking the first step can feel daunting, but we make the process simple and reassuring.
Step 1 – Gather
We ask parents to complete our referral form. This gives us important background information and helps us understand what may be happening for your child. The form also provides a score across areas such as emotions, behaviour, social skills, and hyperactivity. This means we can get a deeper picture of your child’s needs right from the start.
Step 2 – Connect
Once your referral form is completed, our experienced clinical team will carefully review it. We’ll then arrange a free 15-minute phone consultation with you. This is a chance to talk through your concerns, answer your questions, and give you an idea of our waiting list times. Most importantly, it helps us make sure we are the right fit for your family.
Step 3 – New Beginnings
You will then be invited to a full consultation where you’ll meet your child’s therapist. This is an important step to make sure the therapist feels like a good fit for your child. From there, your child can begin their play therapy journey with the support they need for calmer days, stronger relationships, and new beginnings.
Ready to take the first step? Complete the referral form below.
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01 | GATHER
Complete our referral form.
This helps us ensure we are the right fit for your child.
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02 | CONNECT
A play therapist will give you a free no obligation, fifteen-minute call
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03 | New Beginnings
If we are the right fit, your child can start play therapy
play that matters
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play that matters 〰️
What are parents saying?
I cannot recommend WayMaker highly enough. My daughter was suffering from anxiety....
Testimonial, read more
Begin your child’s healing journey through play
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Complete the referral form below to take the first step, or if you’d like to talk things through, call us. We’ll listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and guide you gently through how play therapy can support your child.
