The Juegaterapia Foundation has taken an innovative step in supporting children undergoing or following up on cancer treatment with the inauguration of Club Juegaterapia, the first recreational and therapeutic space outside the hospital environment in Spain. This pioneering project has the support of Telefónica Foundation, through the Solidarity Challenges project, and Telefónica Global Solutions, reaffirming the commitment to health, wellbeing, and social innovation.

A unique club to keep playing and recovering joy

Located in Madrid, Club Juegaterapia is a safe, creative, and stimulating environment, specially designed for minors who have undergone cancer treatment.

Here, children can continue their physical, emotional, and social recovery through play, without gowns or monitors, and surrounded by their families.

“We want play not to stay only in the hospital. With the Club, we take it to the street, bring it closer to families, and give children a new space where they can continue being children,” states Mónica Esteban, president of the Juegaterapia Foundation.

Presentation of an inspiring mini-documentary

The Club’s inauguration has coincided with the premiere of the mini-documentary “Club Juegaterapia: Play also heals”, produced in collaboration with Telefónica Foundation and Telefónica Global Solutions. This piece gathers testimonies from minors and families who have experienced the Club firsthand, showing the positive impact of play on their recovery process.

The event, presented by journalist Ainhoa Arbizu, was held at the Gumersindo Rico Auditorium in Distrito Telefónica, a space specially provided for this occasion.

Additionally, a summary of the documentary can now be viewed on YouTube.

The power of play: scientific evidence and adapted spaces

Club Juegaterapia is supported by more than 15 years of experience and scientific studies that demonstrate the benefits of play in pediatric oncology. According to the research “Chemo flies by when you’re playing,” the use of video games can reduce intense pain by up to 44% and morphine consumption by 20% in children with cancer.

The Club offers themed rooms adapted to all ages and needs: art, mindfulness, sensory experiences, video games, eSports, theater, and family workshops, promoting expression, socialization, and self-esteem.

A new home for hope

With this initiative, Juegaterapia Foundation expands its impact beyond the hospital and creates a new symbolic home for hundreds of families who, during and after treatment, need support, joy, and new opportunities to heal.

From Telefónica Foundation, we celebrate being part of this project that demonstrates that play is much more than entertainment: it is a powerful tool for recovery, resilience, and life.