In this episode of 'Pondering Play and Therapy,' hosts Julie and Philippa discuss the significant reduction of play spaces for children and teenagers within communities affected by poverty and deprivation. Reflecting on changes over the past 10-15 years, they explore how budget cuts and austerity measures have led to the loss of essential community resources like parks, youth clubs, and play schemes. The discussion emphasises the importance of unstructured play for children's development, including reading social cues, risk assessment, and building community ties. They contrast their childhood experiences with current conditions and highlight the need for policies supporting accessible play spaces for all children, in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The episode invites listeners to reflect on these issues and share their own views.

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Welcome to Pondering Play and Therapy, the podcast where we ponder the worlds of play, passion, and personal growth. In today’s episode, we have the pleasure of talking to Tilly and her mum, Sarah, to explore Tilly’s inspiring journey as an international cheerleading athlete. At just 14 years old, Tilly became the youngest member of an international cheerleading team, and today, she’s sharing the highs, the challenges, and the incredible commitment it takes to reach such a level of achievement. This was also whilst revising for her GCSE's and travelling over an hour to practice, and the mental and physical demands of the sport. Tilly gives us an inside look at what it takes to pursue a dream and achieve success. Sarah also joins us to offer a mum’s perspective on supporting Tilly’s journey and the role of family in navigating the world of competitive sports. So sit back, relax, and join us as we ponder the play, hard work, and dedication behind Tilly’s amazing story.

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Podcast Description:

This week, we are pondering the fascinating world of play—specifically, can play be learned? Over the past few weeks and months of recording, we've been reflecting on how play happens with children, babies and adults. We’ll start by looking at the early stages of life—how even before birth, the unborn child begins to interact with the world around them. From there, we'll explore how play unfolds in early childhood and how, as we grow, we may discover new ways to play and embrace a playful mindset. This is from our own perspective not as experts but as adults who enjoy play both in our personal and professional.

We’ll also ask if play is something we can relearn later in life. Can we rediscover playful ways of being in the world and develop new play skills, or is it something we experience through lived moments with others? Is play something that’s taught, or is it more of an embodied experience we share and pass on to others?

Join us as we unpack the beginnings of play and whether it’s something we can learn or simply experience as we move through life.

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