Resilience Matters. Play Matters.

‘ If it wasn’t for this programme I would be on the streets, in a gang doing drugs right now. Thank-you’

~Young man of 17yrs

The world feels heavy for many people right now. Families, children, and young people are carrying increasing stress, uncertainty, and emotional challenges. At Sisanda FunDaytion, we believe resilience is not something you either have or don’t have—it is something we can nurture, strengthen, and grow.

Research shows that the more resilient you are, the greater protection you have against mental illness. Research also shows that powerful ways of building resilience is through play and connection.

Play creates joy, connection, safety, learning, and healing. It helps children and young people regulate emotions, build confidence, strengthen relationships, and discover their own capabilities. In difficult times, when we are in survival mode, Play can be more helpful than you think. It has the power to shift you in the moment out of survival and into a space of hope and connection.

Through our PlaySMART approach, we help others to feel that shift, and we intentionally use play AND connection to support mental wellbeing and resilience.

SMART reminds us why prioritising play is simply… smart.

S – Play is Stimulating

M – Play helps to Manage eMotions

A – Play builds Awareness of self

R – Play builds Relationships

T – Play builds Trust

Read Our May Newsletter to see how the past few months have brought the PlaySMART approach to life.