Help raise £225,000 to give children and young people the therapeutic play and activity spaces they need to build confidence, develop friendships and form the foundations for learning.
The importance of play
Harmeny provides care and education to children and young people aged 5 to 18 from across Scotland who have experienced early years trauma, abuse and significant family disruption. Due to their early years’ experience, some children arrive at Harmeny without the ability to play. They struggle to emotionally regulate and have heightened anxiety which impacts their ability to relax and form positive relationships.
Play fuels curiosity, sparks creativity, and is the basis of learning. Children who play develop physical, mental and social skills to thrive today and lay foundations for a happier, healthier future.
Through our therapeutic approach — Play, Learn, Attach, Relax (PLAR) — we help children rebuild trust, develop resilience and feel safe in their surroundings. Through PLAR, children are supported to explore, connect with others and experience the joy and freedom that healthy play can bring.
Our outdoor spaces are a vital part of this approach. Carefully designed environments provide opportunities for movement, creativity, social interaction and moments of calm. They allow children and young people to build friendships, develop motor and sensory skills, improve confidence and spend meaningful time away from screens.
Watch the video to learn more about PLAR.
”In Harmeny we have a trampoline and that is one of my favourite things"
Young person
Spaces that grow with our young people
Following the expansion of our services in 2023 to support young people up to age 18 we now need to update and revitalise the play spaces within our grounds.
Our beloved adventure play area ‘The Venchie’ is over 30 years old with the various structures and apparatus at the end of their functional lifespan. The play equipment on our front lawn and within our cottage gardens is also outdated or does not meet the needs of our children.
We also need suitable spaces for all-year-round team games such as football and basketball through installing a multi-use-games area and improving drainage on our grass play area.
Your support will:
- Create inclusive spaces for both younger children and teenagers
- Replace The Venchie – our much-loved adventure play area
- Update ageing and outdated play equipment across our grounds and in our cottage gardens
- Revitalise our grass play area and install a new multi-use games area for activities such as football and basketball to provide spaces for all year round play and team games.
You will help create spaces that encourage connection, wellbeing and healthier futures for the children and young people who need it most.
Support the Play Appeal today
You can make a lasting difference to the lives of children who have already experienced significant challenges in their early years.
If you or your organisation would like to support the Play Appeal please get in touch. Or you can make a donation and explore ways to get involved below.
Together we can provide the spaces, support and opportunities that help shape brighter futures.
