• About BRIO
• BRIO History
• Mission/Vision
• Awards
• News
• Contact Us
• Safety & Quality
• Investor Relations

The Swedish Association of Child and Play Therapists has been awarded this year's BRIO Prize for its many years of important work at hospitals and clinics in Sweden, bringing play therapy to sick children. Play therapy is of great importance to sick children's quality of life and their chances of recovery.

In the late 1950s, pre-school teacher Ivonny Lindquist, later an honorary doctor, brought attention to the fact that many children in hospitals were being neglected in terms of psychosocial care and play. Supported by the National Board of Health and Welfare, she initiated a far-reaching play therapy operation at hospitals in Sweden. Today there is play therapy at 42 hospitals and clinics in Sweden, and The Swedish Association of Child and Play Therapists organizes experience exchange and cooperation.

The child and play therapists work both indirectly for the children, and directly with them.

The indirect work means that children come into a child-friendly environment with toys and children's books, both in the waiting room and the physician's office. There should also be a stock of play material for different age groups at the care and consultation departments where children receive treatment. Another part of the child and play therapist's role is to convey a child-oriented perspective on care to other healthcare professionals.

The direct work involves answering any questions children may have, and stimulating play that is both therapeutic and promotes a sense of security.

Ivonny Lindquist, founder of The Swedish Association of Child and Play Therapists, has become a trend-setter with her books Terapi genom lek (Therapy Through Play, 1970), and Leken som läker (Play That Heals, 1990), as well as Lekterapi på sjukhus (Play Therapy in Hospitals, 1985) written with Christina Ljungström.

Within BRIO there is a high level of expertise in how play and toys have a positive effect on children's development. By awarding the 2003 BRIO Prize to The Swedish Association of Child and Play Therapists, BRIO wishes to pay tribute to the organization's many years of continuing important work in promoting quality of life and recovery for children through therapy.

The BRIO Prize is awarded annually with donations from the Lennart Ivarsson Scholarship Fund. The aim of the prize is to highlight successful scientific initiatives in the field of play, toys and the importance of play in child development.

The award ceremony will be held on November 6, 2003 at BRIO's Lekoseum historical toy museum in Osby, Sweden.