What we do

Life should be enjoyed

We are an Isle of Man registered Charity, founded in May 2018.  We promote, provide and advocate for opportunities for all children on the Island to fulfil their ‘Right to Play’. 

It’s no secret that children’s play has declined significantly in our communities.  When you look outside how many children do you see playing in your street and local park without a supervising adult?  This decline is due in part to increased levels of traffic, perceptions around safety and stranger danger and changing social expectations about children and parenting.  This decline is to the detriment of children and their communities and we have a vision to give children back their childhoods and make the Isle of Man the greatest place in the world for children to play and grow.

Why play?

Play is how children navigate and experience the world and best of all it’s great fun!  It’s also vitally important to their health and wellbeing… it’s no coincidence that the decline in children’s play has coincided with deteriorating levels of mental health and increased levels of childhood obesity.  Play is directly linked to positive physical, emotional and mental health and we want every child on the Isle of Man to be able to access great play opportunities on their doorstep.

“The opposite of play is not work — it is depression” (Brian Sutton-Smith)

This year we will work with over 10,000 children, so come and join us in celebrating a philosophy of play and happiness.  In a world full of pressure, we are working (and playing) tirelessly to make sure that the children of the Isle of Man have the most enjoyable, free-range and playful time of their lives!

Meet Chris King

With over 10 years experience in Playwork and Forest School Chris, takes a lead role in bringing the best opportunities to hundreds of children every week. Practical and affable, Chris lives and breathes Playwork and has been a regular contributor to training sessions sharing his wealth of knowledge with others to help ensure that the work Isle of Play does can reach as many children as possible.

“I can’t remember the last time I didn’t look forward to coming to work. Working with children and seeing their individuality come out through their play is one of the most fulfilling parts of my role. I cant imagine working anywhere else, and to know that I am part of making such a positive difference to the lives of so many children makes my role an absolute pleasure everyday.”

Meet Max Carrington

As a child max spent most of his time thrashing his guitar and playing football. His passion for music and sports is still strong and whilst you’ll often find him stretching his musical muscles, you’re as likely to see him darting around engaged with dozens of children in a giant game of tag.

“We all have our own definitions of what play looks like, but for me it’s as much about following your own interests and experimenting with them. It was this that led me to being part of a successful rock band and ultimately finding my way to Isle of Play”

Meet Kian Morris

Kian is 15 and playfully refers to himself as the “ex-school drop out”. By his own admission, he has struggled with attending school. Following a period of support with Isle of Play though Kian has made a remarkable return to his studies, whilst still volunteering his time to work with us whenever he can.

“Without a doubt Isle of Play changed my life. Being part of a this team means the world to me and they have helped me realise that I needed to return to my studies. When I’m not at school though, I spend as much time as I can at Isle of Play, helping to deliver Forest School and helping younger children to play. Hopefully, by helping them I can help prevent them from making the same mistakes I have.”