May 2022
How did you get involved with the Let’s Play Project?
What is it like working at Let’s Play?
What is your favourite thing about working at Let’s Play?
What is your favourite memory of Let's Play?
How has Let’s Play impacted your life?
What impact do you think Let’s Play has on our young people?
How I became involved
My daughter started attending Let's play when she was 6 years old and at the time she had no meaningful friendships. She had just started attending a special needs school and we had very little support within the special needs community. After a failed attempt at mainstream school we felt really isolated as a family, we felt on the outside of everything that most other families were involved in. I was starting to see that this would also be the case for my son who had just started preschool and would also need an EHCP and need additional support. When I heard about Let's play I didn't believe that it could possibly be as amazing as everyone was telling me! Surely not! I was so nervous to send my daughter off for her first session, what if she wasn't understood? What if she wasn't accepted? What if this was another failure? It was an emotional reunion when she bounded out of her session and said she has had the most amazing time, a play worker came out and told me about all the fun she had and that felt amazing for me as a parent. She came out with the same smile after every session from then on and I felt no hesitation in also sending my son once he was old enough. Let's play was life changing and has continued to be so for the last 9 years that our family has accessed the service. When I heard that let's play were looking for volunteer trustees I jumped at the chance to give back. Our family had benefitted so much and I felt that it was important to support them moving forward in whatever way I could.
How I support, what skills and experience I bring
Up until I adopted my children I was a people manager, managing teams of up to 100 people. I had skills that were transferable and have supported the core team with recruitment and selection, people management and policies and procedures. I am the designated safeguarding trustees as I also volunteer as safeguarding governor at the local community special school and have many years of experience in the field. Apart from planned meetings the support I give is generally ad-hoc and generally arising from a particular scenario so I am called upon when needed.
My favourite memory of Let’s Play
Moving into our current building and seeing the faces of the young people as they enjoyed their first sessions. What a difference this move made!
What I’m excited about for the future of Let’s Play
I have seen Let's Play evolve and grow significantly over the last 6 + years of being a trustee and it's so exciting to see how the team of trustees along with the core team are dedicated to continue in this evolution and growth. Working with such a motivated and enthusiastic bush of people is inspiring and I'm so excited about the future.
April 2022

Playworker Spotlight - Kelly Bradfield
How did you get involved at Let's Play?
I first joined let’s play as a volunteer in 2018. A friend of mine, who was also volunteering at the time had suggested I do it as part of my silver Duke of Edinburgh, and that it would be right up my street and something I’d really enjoy. And he was not wrong! I went on to volunteer for 6 months once a week and attended a couple of holiday sessions. Let’s Play next came into my life when I was 17 and the playworker role was advertised on my school bulletin. I thought RESULT, and applied for the job the same day, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
What is it like working at Let's Play?
It is a genuine pleasure to work at let’s play. I truly believe I have the best job in the world. I am so lucky to get to work with the young people and staff here and I always tell myself I am better for knowing them. Everyone is so relaxed and friendly, I sometimes forget that it is my job and I’m not just reliving my childhood!
Your favourite things about working at Let's Play?
My favourite thing about Let’s Play is the freedom. There are so many opportunities for our young people to explore, try new things and interact with others. The session leaders and playworkers are always thinking of new ideas and activities that our young people would enjoy. It is also a place where you can be your true self and be completely embraced.
Favourite memory from working at Let's Play?
Gosh there are too many!! Summer holiday sessions are always brilliant. From swimming days, trips to Cotswold wildlife park and water fights. I also loved our trip to Bournemouth beach with youth group in Summer 2021. After such a long time where we were restricted on where we could go, this trip was particularly special. And even though it was incredibly windy it did not stop us from having a paddle in the sea!
How has Let's Play affected your life?
I can honestly say Let’s play is my favourite place to be, so it’s easy to understand why it is such an important place for our young people. I am always excited to go to work and see what the day brings (as no day is ever the same!!)
Because of Let’s Play, I applied for a job as a CSO at Frank Wise School, the local SEN school, during my gap year and I have absolutely loved working with children in a different setting.
What impact do you think Let’s Play has on our Young People?
Let’s play has a huge impact on our young people. It provides a safe and positive environment for them to just be. It is so important that our young people have this space as it allows them to use their free time exactly how they want to and be completely supported to do so, whether that’s playing football outside, riding on the go karts, baking, playing games, arts and crafts (just to name a few things!)
March 2022
Trustee Spotlight - Debi Coles
How did you get involved in Let’s Play?
Your Favourite Let's Play memory?
What are most excited about for Let's Play?
What is the best thing about being a trustee?
December 2021

A big thank you to everyone who has supported us through 2021. It's been a tough year for everybody and we couldn't have made it through without everyone's support! Anyone who has fundraised for us volunteered, attended our celebration day, donated or even liked a post on Facebook. We appreciate everything you all do for us.
Have a Merry Christmas and we'll see you'll all for a much brighter 2022!
Blog
June 2021
Playworker Spotlight - Tia Shawyer
How did you get involved at Let's Play?
I started Let’s Play back in 2012. It was a student placement through the college as my course was Health and Social Care. My placement was for 6 months, once a week. I adored Let’s Play so much that I asked to volunteer more regularly, to gain experience. When I was due to leave, Let’s Play were recruiting and I jumped at the opportunity! I’ve been there ever since and honestly, it’s the best decision I have ever made.
What is it like working at Let's Play?
The Let’s Play community is one big family. I often refer to Let’s play as my happy place. When I am there, I feel amazing! No matter your mood, the children and staff will brighten any day. Every day is different and you learn something new each time.
Your favourite things about working at Let's Play?
It has to be the inclusivity. The way that Let’s Play are able to meet the needs of all children, raise their self-esteem and make them feel valued. Let’s Play puts the children at the centre of everything they do, it is completely child-led. The project gives children choice and provides them with a place they feel comfortable to be completely themselves, that’s pretty powerful and the reason Let’s Play holds a very special place in my heart.
Favourite memory from working at Let's Play?
Ahhh I have so many! The summers are incredible, from theme days, water fights and visits to the park its jam-packed and a lot of fun! My residential trip to Wales was a fantastic memory. Visiting the beach and seeing what an amazing time the children had, they are my favourite memories! The moments you enter a child’s world of play, the moment they let you in. You really cherish those moments, that’s when you think this is why I do this job!
How has Let's Play affected your life?
I am currently a trainee teacher and Let’s Play gave me the confidence to do this. It taught me the importance of nurturing children, building relationships and really getting to know and understand a child. These things have to come before teaching and Let’s Play embedded that in my practice.
My dissertation at University was focused on the effectiveness of intensive interaction for children with autism. After working at Let’s Play for years intensive interaction is one of my favourite things to incorporate into play frames. It is a way of communicating and engaging with children, particularly those who are non-verbal. I interviewed staff for their views and used this to inform a discussion around why it is so important and why it works so effectively. Super passionate about it and believe it is a great way to build relationships with children.
March 2021
"As a family we value the respite and the peace of mind that Let's Play brings us, we would be lost without them!"