The Association of Therapeutic Playwork (BATP) is an open membership organisation and will appeal to people who are concerned with the ecology of the child at play, therapeutic practice (based on the potential of play as a process of self healing) and the spiritual dimensions of play. Following on from the publication of the Colorado Paper in 1998 (available as a download from the Ludemos web-site) the co-authors, Gordon Sturrock and Perry Else, received many requests for the application of Therapeutic Playwork to be further developed using psycholudic models, so as to differentiate it from other forms of playwork. Accordingly, through numerous courses and programmes offered around the UK a recognizing body to serve those who had undertaken training and qualification became a necessity, especially so as a result of the take up and development of Therapeutic Playwork programmes at Practitioner Level being delivered at University of East London, University of Gloucester and, latterly, at the University of Swansea. In 1999, the Association of Therapeutic Playwork, an open entry group, was formed and the idea of the formation of an Institute of qualified Associate, Full and Practitioner Level membership was first mooted. The working title for this new organisation was the Institute of Therapeutic Playwork. A steering committee was formed to take the new organisation to the next level of operation. To date, we have been widening the membership base, largely through the Ludemos web-site (created in 2002) and in establishing the application through a variety of recognitions, at a number of levels. We are seeking recognition through an industry lead body for the Institute. In the meantime we have opened up access to the membership of the BITP through the Ludemos web-site, the TP discussion group is active. An ethical statement has been drafted and a constitution is being established that will conform to the response from the industry lead body.  Drafts of these crucial elements of our working practice and organisational structure are available on the discussion group for member comment. Formal approval of the titles 'British Association of Therapeutic Playwork' and 'British Institute of Therapeutic Playwork' will be sought from the UK Secretary of State when BITP is recognised as a Company Limited by Guarantee. Gordon Sturrock for the BITP September 2008  Back to Top