Go Away Bird and the Power of Play

Power of play – helping children through life’s challenges

  The world of childhood has changed so much since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Children have missed out on time with family, school and playdates. Now, as well as everyday challenges, like falling out with friends or first-day-at-school nerves, they’re having to cope with the worries of living with a global pandemic. It’s never been more important for children to adapt and cope with change.    

 Yet children have one simple, powerful tool  at  their fingertips to help with these worries. Play....    

 The experts at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) know first-hand how play helps children feel happier and builds their emotional resilience. The hospital’s incredible Play team – the largest of its kind in Europe – helps ease the worries of hundreds of seriously ill children every day as they prepare for treatments and go through their recovery. 

 The GOSH Play team has come together again with GOSH Charity and some much-loved children’s characters, to share their knowledge with every parent across the UK and show how play can help children cope with all kinds of childhood challenges.  I am delighted that the Go away Bird features in this project - with a special activity to help children who need to make friends or who may be feeling isolated. Have a look at the Go Away Bird activity here.

  You can find more  expert  tips  and  resources  on the  Power of Play hub, a free  online resource packed with  activities,  stories,  videos , books  and  advice.