Abstract colourful shapes including a blue sphere, orange wavy shape, blue squiggle, orange star, and teal trapezoid.

About

ubuntu

Ubuntu Play and Creative Therapies CIC are a non-profit organisation in Bristol, who offer play therapy for children aged 4-12. We provide children and their families with a safe and creative space in therapy. Our service is child-centred, which means we trust in children's ability to lead their own healing process.

Our vision

Our vision is a world where all children can be happy, confident and valued for who they are whatever their circumstances or experiences.

A child's hands making a rainbow out of plasticine.

Our mission

Ubuntu creates permissive, boundaried spaces for children through play therapy. We create an environment where children have the space, time and freedom to express themselves and feel valued for who they are.

This growth is enhanced by our support for the caregivers. Supporting them to become more attuned to the child, and themselves.

Child stacking colourful educational blocks with vehicles, animals, and numbers.

Our values

  • A stylised illustration of a cloud over an orange background.

    Non-judgemental

    Everyone comes with their unique experiences; it’s our job to meet you where you are at. We don’t hold judgements or expect your family to conform to a certain style.

  • An orange octagon with a white wavy line symbol in the center.

    Creative

    Our services are based upon creative methods of therapy. This involves play, art, music, building. Our creatively helps us to problem solve and improves mental health.

  • A star shape over an orange background.

    Hopeful

    Our work is based principles of neuroscience which state that the brain is changeable throughout our lives. There is always hope for change and improvement to our mental health.

  • Stylised illustration of a paint splatter shape over an orange background.

    Inclusive to all

    We accept referrals from all and we do not discriminate for any reason.

  • Orange octagonal background with white wavy line shape over the top.

    Child first

    We always follow the child’s wishes and put their safety first in all the work we do.

  • A cartoon-style drawing of a smiling face with an orange, irregularly shaped head and a wide, white toothy smile.

    Person centered

    Our therapy is based on a Humanistic model, which trusts that the child, when given the right environment, will always move towards healing. In this way, we use non-directive play therapy, following the child’s lead.

Our team

  • A woman with long brown hair, wearing a blue sweater, smiling.

    Andrea

    BAPT REGISTERED PLAY THERAPIST
    BAPT registered Play Therapist (MSc) | BA Hons Childhood and Youth Studies | NNEB | One to one nurturing programme practitioner  / Level one Theraplay®

    My background is in early years and family support since 1993. I am passionate about providing play therapy for children giving them the opportunity to process what they need to in a space.

  • A young woman with shoulder-length brown hair, smiling standing against a plain, light-coloured wall.

    Beth

    BAPT REGISTERED PLAY THERAPIST
    BAPT registered Play Therapist (MSc) | BSc Hons Psychology | PGCE with SEN/D specialism | Level one Theraplay®

    I am a qualified teacher, play therapist and mum to a toddler. I have enjoyed a career working with children as a teacher and now as a play therapist. I value giving children the opportunity in therapy to be freely themselves.

  • A woman with shoulder-length brown hair, glasses, and a black shirt smiling against a plain light-coloured wall.

    Megan

    PLAY THERAPIST
    Certified Play Therapist (PTUK) | Therapeutic Life Story Work (TLSW) Provider | Parent Child Attachment Play (PCAP) Licensed Practitioner | PGCE Primary Education

    I started out my career as a primary school teacher and have found such joy in becoming a children’s play therapist since. I am mum to two boys and love coming alongside children and their parents to enable growth and change.

  • A smiling woman with short, curly hair, wearing a patterned scarf and a maroon top, posed in front of a plain white wall.

    Veron

    BAPT REGISTERED PLAY THERAPIST
    BAPT registered Play Therapist (MSc) | BA Hons Education Studies | Foundation Degree Early Years Education | NNEB One to one Nurturing Programme Practitioner, Level 3 Diploma in Therapeutic Parenting

    I am a play theapist with a strong background in Early Years Care and Education dating back to the late 80's.  I am passionate about giving children the space to tend their needs.

Our services

As well as 1:1 play therapy, we also offer a range of parenting support and family therapy options to support your needs.

Have a question for our team?

“Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity.”

— Kay Redfield Jamison