This International Day of Play, World Child Cancer and Upside Down House UK are inviting families to play with purpose, and support the right to play for every child, everywhere. To mark this global celebration, families are invited to turn the world upside down—literally—at a special event hosted at Upside Down House Bristol, in collaboration with international children’s charity, World Child Cancer. The day will feature family-friendly play activities, powerful artwork created by children with cancer, and a unique opportunity to help fulfil every child’s right to play. The event launches the International Day of Play 2025 theme, “Choose Play – Everyday”, a reminder to governments, businesses, schools, and families to embed play into children’s lives all year long.
“Every child deserves to play. Whether it’s through a joyful day out or a quiet moment during cancer treatment, play has the power to transform lives,” said Luke Thomas, CEO of World Child Cancer. “We’re proud to launch this year’s International Day of Play with Upside Down House UK, where families can celebrate the right to play—and help extend that right to children all over the world.”
Image - Halima (Pseudonym) with Dog Drawing, Malawi November 2024
Why Play Matters
Play isn’t just fun - it’s essential, for all children but especially those facing illnesses like cancer. Play is often how they understand what’s happening to them, build emotional strength, and cope with long hospital stays. This is the driving force behind World Child Cancer’s first Master of Sciences (MSc) in Healthcare Play Therapy in Sub-Saharan Africa in partnership with Amgen, a global biopharmaceutical company. The programme equips healthcare professionals with the skills to use play as a therapeutic tool in paediatric care. It’s a direct answer to International Day of Play’s global call for action—not only for families, but for businesses and institutions to invest in play.
“Play therapy is a powerful tool in reducing anxiety, pain, and distress for children with cancer, enhancing their well-being during treatment.” – Dr. Roberta Ortiz, World Health Organization, Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer, Technical Lead, Department of Non-Communicable Diseases, Disability and Rehabilitation
“At Amgen, we recognise play as productive and central to our health, wellbeing and progress,” said Sean Lybrand, Executive Director, Access to Healthcare, Amgen. “We are thrilled to be partnering with World Child Cancer on this important initiative. and look forward to improving the focus on childhood cancer treatment through the MSc programme.”
“This MSc will empower healthcare systems across Ghana and Sub-Saharan Africa to adopt innovative practices that improve health outcomes for children,” added Ayire Adongo, Regional Coordinator for Sub-Saharan Africa, World Child Cancer.
An Upside Down Day Out – With a Global Impact
At Upside Down House Bristol, families will not only experience a whimsical, gravity-defying attraction—they’ll also be part of a movement to bring healing play to children around the world.
- Enjoy a play therapy drawing activity and explore the art exhibit created by children in treatment across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
- Take home a play therapy-inspired goodie bag, including a fun activity to do together at home.
- Send a message of solidarity: families will be invited to create their own artwork, which World Child Cancer will share with children currently undergoing cancer treatment around the world.
Image - James Osei with Dog Drawing, Ghana November 2024
Upside Down House UK is dedicated to bringing joy and unforgettable experiences to families across the country. The attraction is continuously exploring new ways to make their immersive experience even more fun for their youngest visitors. As a family attraction that welcomed over 500,000 visitors last year, Upside Down House UK take great pride in providing engaging and imaginative spaces for children to enjoy. Now, they’re using their unique setting to go even further.
Alex Barbary, Associate Director at Upside Down House UK said: “We are absolutely delighted to announce our collaboration with World Child Cancer, an incredible charity with a mission to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and support for children with cancer and their families around the world, helping every child reach their full potential.
At Upside Down House, we believe in creating fun, imaginative spaces where families and children can make lasting memories. Together with World Child Cancer, we’re not only raising awareness, but more importantly, we're bringing smiles to children and their families who are facing some of life's toughest challenges. We're honoured to be a part of their mission!”
How you and your family can get involved
- Join us at Upside Down House Bristol on 11 June, get your tickets at https://upsidedownhouse.co.uk/locations/#bristol
- Take part in the play therapy art activity and global art exchange from 4-7pm on June 11
- Visit the exhibit all summer long at the Upside Down House Bristol · Engage with the virtual art gallery at www.uk.givergy.com/InternationalDayOfPlay · Learn more about World Child Cancer’s work at www.worldchildcancer.org
- Share your moments with #ChoosePlayEveryday
Let’s build a world where every child can play, heal, and thrive—no matter where they live
Related
Comments
Comments are disabled for this post.
