There are 3,391 people seeking sanctuary in Wales, and many are children. They arrive having lost their homes, their families, everything they owned. For mothers it means bringing up their children without the support of parents, grandparents or friends. They have to rebuild their life alone in unfamiliar surroundings. Mothers living in poverty skip meals and ration nappies, and are isolated at home because they cannot afford the bus fare or entry fees to play activities for their children.

Children arrive frightened and unable to put words to what they have experienced. Play is a way to process trauma, and it is how they begin to feel safe and ready to learn. Play Project gives over 400 children a year a safe, joyful place to play three times a week, with bus tickets provided for mothers so no child is excluded by the cost of travel. While their children play, mothers can meet with their caseworker, attend English classes, or get advice on housing and school applications.