How play helps children recover, reconnect and reclaim their sense of safety
In the wake of disaster, war, abuse or forced displacement, many children carry invisible wounds. These traumatic experiences can impact their mental health, development, and future wellbeing. But amid the chaos, something as simple as play can be a powerful force for healing. Across the world, Save the Children is helping children recover through structured play, child-friendly spaces, and locally led programs designed to support children’s mental health and long-term trauma recovery. This is possible thanks to our supporters who give to our Children’s Emergency Fund.
Why play matters in the aftermath of trauma
For children who have lived through conflict, natural disaster, displacement or abuse, trauma can leave deep emotional scars. But healing doesn’t always begin with words – it often begins with play.
Play is a vital part of children’s mental health. It helps children make sense of their world, express difficult emotions, rebuild social bonds, and begin to feel safe again. That’s why Save the Children integrates structured play and child-friendly spaces into its emergency and recovery responses.
In fact, the right to play is protected under Article 31 in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child – just like the right to education, food, and safety. In the aftermath of trauma, play can restore a sense of dignity, hope and normalcy that children urgently need.
What is play therapy and how does it help?
Play therapy is a structured, therapeutic approach that supports trauma recovery through creativity and connection. When children can’t easily express how they feel, they often act it out through drawing, storytelling, roleplay or games. Guided by trained staff, these activities allow children to externalise fear, grief or confusion – helping them process experiences they may not have words for.
In emergency contexts, this approach is critical. In refugee camps, disaster zones or conflict-affected communities, Save the Children runs play-based psychosocial programs that promote safety, socialisation, and emotional resilience through mental health support that helps children process their emotions.
These programs are grounded in child protection. Every session is designed to provide consistency, routine and agency – essential ingredients for helping children recover from overwhelming experiences.
Inside a child-friendly space: Healing through joy
Safe play spaces are an integral part of Save the Children’s child protection work in an emergency response. In settings where children may be exposed to further risks – including gender-based violence, child labour or exploitation – these spaces provide sanctuary and support.
Inside, children are free to laugh, draw, explore and make friends under the watchful care of trained facilitators. The activities are intentionally designed to support children’s mental health and promote trauma recovery.
These play sessions are particularly vital during emergencies, where children may have been separated from family or seen their homes destroyed. In these moments, a consistent adult presence, a simple game, or a chance to act out emotions in a safe space can lay the foundation for healing. In Sudan, for example, 15-year-old Musa* uses art supplies to draw some of the things he saw and experienced in the conflict that forced him to flee his home.
“They were always there,” he says, describing the armed men and vehicles that scared him when they appeared in his hometown. “They got stuck in my imagination until I started drawing them to express my sadness.”
From chaos to calm: Stories of children finding hope
In Save the Children’s Play2Learn program in Australia, families facing disadvantage come together weekly in safe, supportive environments. While not delivered in emergency settings, the model mirrors the key elements of trauma-informed care: connection, consistency, and play. Philippa, a mother attending Play2Learn with her children, describes the change she’s seen:
“They’re a bit more confident in leaving my side to go play, talk to other kids and play alongside other children.” That growing independence is a sign of recovery – of trust being rebuilt and anxiety subsiding.
In humanitarian contexts, similar programs have helped children cope with the trauma of fleeing conflict, losing loved ones, or surviving natural disasters. A simple drawing can reveal how a child is feeling. A roleplay game might help them process fear. And a shared story might spark laughter and restore a moment of joy in a child’s day.
Supporting mental health through locally-led play programs
Trauma recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why Save the Children works with communities to ensure programs are culturally grounded, locally led and adapted to the unique needs of children.
Child protection is integrated into all Save the Children programs – not just those labelled as mental health or psychosocial support. Whether in early learning centres, parenting groups or humanitarian response teams, keeping children safe is always the top priority.
In countries like Cambodia and Indonesia, Save the Children strengthens local child protection systems to keep children safe from violence and ensure that play-based recovery programs are sustained over time.
This holistic approach recognises that mental health is not separate from safety, nutrition or learning – it is intertwined with every part of a child’s life.
Reclaiming childhood: The long-term impact of play
The effects of trauma can last a lifetime – but so can the benefits of early support. Children who are given the chance to play, create and express themselves in safe spaces are more likely to recover emotionally, stay in school, form positive relationships and build resilience.
Play therapy is a gateway to long-term recovery and wellbeing. It helps restore confidence, rebuild identity, and give children a sense of control over their world. It’s about helping children feel safe again.
Play is one of the most powerful tools we have, and with your support, we can continue to provide this vital opportunity to children recovering from trauma.