Mathison Praises Shared Education Project Supporting Children’s Wellbeing Through Play
Strangford Alliance MLA Nick Mathison has attended a celebration event marking the success of PlayBoard’s Spaces to Be – Our Generation project – involving pupils from St Joseph’s Primary School and Glasswater Primary School in Crossgar.
The event, held at Crossgar War Memorial Hall due to poor weather, brought together pupils, teachers, and project partners to celebrate the friendships, learning and personal development that have taken place through the programme.
Funded through PEACEPLUS and delivered by PlayBoard, the project uses play-based approaches to help children develop empathy, resilience, and emotional literacy, while creating opportunities for meaningful connections between young people from different backgrounds.
Mr. Mathison said: “It was fantastic to join pupils, staff and PlayBoard at this celebration event and to see first-hand the positive impact this project is having.
“Despite the weather forcing activities indoors, the children clearly had a brilliant morning and their enthusiasm was infectious.
“Both schools spoke very positively about the difference the programme has made.
“Through play, children have been developing important life skills such as empathy, resilience, and emotional literacy, while building friendships and learning from one another in a supportive environment.
“What stood out most was how much fun the children were having.
“Projects like this show that learning does not always have to happen at a desk. Play can be a powerful tool for supporting mental health and well-being, helping children build confidence, strengthen relationships, and develop skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
“I want to thank PlayBoard, including Roberta Johnston and the wider team, as well as the staff and pupils from St Joseph’s and Glasswater Primary Schools, for their commitment to making this project such a success.
“I would encourage other schools interested in taking part to contact PlayBoard to find out more about the opportunities available.”
The Spaces to Be: the Our Generation project continues to be delivered across Northern Ireland, supporting children and young people through inclusive, play-based shared education experiences.
