The Power of Play - Boardgames for Physical and Mental Wellbeing

We request £4,976 to continue offering:

• intergenerational fun and entertainment
• social interaction and mental health support – stress relief, laughter, mood improvement
• cultural awareness – diverse and inclusive international games
• improved empathy – step into different roles and situations, fostering understanding
• conflict resolution – negotiation, strategy, decision making; transferable to real-world challenges
• communication skills – active listening, verbal skills, expressing needs, understanding intentions
• calculated risk taking, mirroring personal and professional decisions
• emotional intelligence and social benefits – patience, cooperation, teamwork
• cognitive “superpowers” – concentration and focus, reasoning, memory, logic
• sportsmanship – winning and losing gracefully, handling disappointment, celebrating others successes
• “stealth educators” with interactive engagement for home educators
• intellectual stimulation – reduces the risk of Dementia and Alzheimer’s
• lowers blood pressure – laughter increases endorphins to help reduce / maintain BP

We began a funded all-inclusive Boardgame Club in January 2025 at The Advocacy Academy, with free refreshments promoting healthy choices. For priority and non-priority communities, of all ages and all abilities.

Our users requested longer and more frequent sessions, so we extended our sessions at The Advocacy Academy from 1.5 to 3.5 hours. We also added an additional session at The Akerman Health Centre, as requested by parents with school children.

We have evolved into a Games Club with Sudoku, Word Searches, Colouring – whatever our users requested. We had a Rangoli workshop for Diwali this month. Our Connect-4 Relay was a hit!

Board games can be particularly helpful in supporting children with learning difficulties or ADHD. The structured environment, clear rules and often visual nature of board games can help children with ADHD focus, develop impulse control, and improve executive functions. For children with learning difficulties, games offer a multi-sensory and engaging way to practice academic skills without the pressure of traditional drills.

A study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that the use of board games significantly improved social skills in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

We are villagers creating a village. Sharing love, fostering a sense of community, deepening connections, and building resilience.

We could go on and on and on, but we have a 500 word limit.

In a world increasingly dominated by screens and structured activities, it’s easy to overlook the simple yet profound power of the board game. They are dynamic platforms, the benefits of regular board game play are immeasurable.

Join us on Tuesday 28th October at The Advocacy Academy. The benefits may surprise you.

Village Life has a free community WhatsApp channel, covering London for Free: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VagWTXWADTOKA1Eotv07

Quailyn, Founder of Village Life, was a Volunteer of the Year Finalist, at the Lambeth Civic Awards 2025: Lambeth Civic Awards 2025 | Lambeth Council

Quailyn retired as Vice Chair of Trustees (2024) at Ebony Horse Club, after serving the maximum 9 years on the board: Ebony Horse Club - Changing lives in the heart of Brixton

Quailyn retired as a Foundation Governor (2024) at St Helen’s RC Primary School, Brixton: Home | St Helen's Catholic School

Quailyn was featured in Lambeth for International Women’s Day 2021: Thank Lambeth Women for IWD21 - Love LambethLove Lambeth

Quailyn is registered disabled and uses an adult e-assist tricycle as a mobility aid: Travels with Quai: Transport and disability in London - OnLondon