‘Positive, engaging, informative and friendly’ is just some of the feedback we’ve received already from delegates of last weekend’s Power of Play Conference.

Following the success of our inaugural conference in 2023, we were so pleased to welcome back familiar faces to our 2024 event, alongside new friends who joined us at Oxford’s Voco Spires hotel for our Play and Creative Arts event of the year.

This year’s theme was ‘Polyvagal Connections’ and we were thrilled to host keynote speaker Courtney Rolfe, who opened the learning for the day with her wonderful talk, followed by a round table reflective exercise. The session became lively with the introduction of colourful balloons which enabled participants to engage with themselves and those around them before time was given for learning to be put into practice. We were able to offer Courtney’s book, co-authored with Deb Dana, which Courtney kindly signed for delegates and were not surprised at all that we completely sold out on the day!

After a well earned lunch, where delegates were able to browse our superb exhibition area, we were joined by Dr Dan Hughes by the magic of technology from ‘across the pond’. Dan gave us a one hour talk in his inimitable style, leaving delegates feeling ‘inspired’ and ‘motivated’

The afternoon heralded 4 amazing workshops, each allowing participants to attend a 90 minute hands on experiential session with a sector expert. Delegates were able to choose from sessions on movement, art, imaginative play, or ‘painful connections’

After yet more tea and cake, our fabulous Trustee Martyn ‘Eek the Clown’ Cooper closed the day for us, by sharing his very personal and moving story of trauma and resilience. Martyn’s message was that no matter what life throws at you, it is how we respond to our situation that can make or break us.

We hope that delegates left us at the end of the day feeling uplifted and motivated by the stories they had heard and the tools they had acquired. We’ve certainly had this reflected in the feedback received so far, with several people asking us to confirm their place for next year!

Rest assured, it’s already in hand…..

Feedback from delegates: