Andy’s Angels Team Day at Lodge Hill: Learning, Playing, and Growing Together
At Andy’s Angels, supporting grieving children isn’t just about the work we do directly with families, it’s also about ensuring our Volunteering team is skilled, confident, and connected. Our recent Team Day at Lodge Hill was the perfect example of this in action: a day filled with learning, laughter, and team-building that strengthens the foundation of everything we do.
Play Therapy Training: Nurturing Through Understanding
Included in our Team Day was a Play Therapy Training session. Our team explored how play can be a powerful tool for children processing grief. Play therapy allows children to express feelings they might not have words for, and understanding these techniques equips our staff to support every child with empathy and insight.
Through interactive exercises and discussions, our team honed skills in observing, listening, and guiding play in ways that are both safe and deeply supportive. It was inspiring to see colleagues practicing new strategies and reflecting on how they can be applied in real-life sessions with children.
Rise Life Seated Football: Teamwork in Action
Next, we had the chance to get active with Rise Life Seated Football. This adaptive sport brought energy, fun, and a whole lot of laughter to the day. Beyond being a great workout, it reinforced lessons in teamwork, communication, and inclusion — all crucial skills when working with children of diverse needs and experiences.
Seated football reminded us that play and sport are not only enjoyable but also therapeutic. The session was a fantastic way to build bonds between team members while celebrating abilities rather than limitations.
Safeguarding Workshop: Keeping Children Safe
No day at Andy’s Angels would be complete without a focus on safety. Our safeguarding workshop provided an essential refresher on protecting the children and families we support. From recognising early signs of concern to understanding reporting procedures, the workshop ensured that every team member is confident in their role as a guardian and advocate for vulnerable children.
Knowledge like this is vital, reinforcing our commitment to creating safe, nurturing environments for every child.
Sno-Tubing: Fun and Friendship on the Slopes
To finish the day on a high, our team headed to the slopes for some sno-tubing! Zooming down the hill on inflatable tubes was a perfect way to let off steam, share laughter, and celebrate the day together. It reminded us that even in serious work, moments of joy and play are essential, both for our team and for the children we support.
A Day of Growth and Connection
Our Lodge Hill Team Day wasn’t just about training — it was about building stronger connections within our team, reflecting on our practice, and embracing new ways to support children through grief. Each session, from play therapy to seated football to safeguarding (and yes, even sno-tubing!), contributed to our overarching mission: to provide compassionate, skilled, and safe support for every child and family who comes to Andy’s Angels.
By investing in our team, we are investing in the children and families we support. And days like this remind us that growth, learning, and joy go hand-in-hand with the vital work of supporting families through their most difficult moments.
