A new support service for children's mental health has been launched in Malvern.

The initiative, named Time to Play, was developed by Malvern-based play and creative arts therapist, Emma Hoyle, in response to growing mental health concerns among children and adolescents in the region - an issue intensified by the covid-19 lockdowns and the cost-of-living crisis.

Ms Hoyle's project aspires to use play and creative arts as a therapeutic medium.

Play, in particular, has a significant role in the emotional expression and learning process of young children.

Through engaging in play and other artistic activities, children may experience enhanced relaxation and wellbeing.

Over the summer holidays, Time to Play will host a series of week-long creative arts programmes for groups of up to six children aged 5-7.

Each daily session will last two hours, offering a variety of activities like arts & crafts, sand play, storytelling, puppetry, music, role-playing, and movement.

Additionally, play and creative arts therapy will be available in the autumn for children requiring more intensive support.

To keep the therapy accessible to all families, regardless of their financial situation, profits from the summer programmes will go towards providing funded therapy access in the autumn term.

Therapy using play and creative arts is a valuable tool for children grappling with emotional or behavioural difficulties.

It provides an accessible way for them to express and process feelings and concerns they might otherwise struggle to verbalise.

It can aid children dealing with a range of issues, from anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem to inattentiveness, aggression, or trauma.

In a nod of encouragement to parents, Time to Play will also offer training on how play can enrich family life at home later in the year.

Emma Hoyle can be reached via email at timetoplay.office@mail.com or by calling 07767 542653 for more information.

The launch of Time to Play is a step towards a positive and much-needed change on the children's mental health front.

A symbol of hope in these challenging times, it assures that help is available for both children and parents when they need it the most.