In July (2026), The Amelia Scott hosted the inaugural Rolling Well conference in partnership with the University of Plymouth and Manchester Metropolitan University.

Over two days, academics, clinicians, educators, local authority representatives, game designers, community practitioners and people with lived experience came together to explore the impact tabletop role-playing games can play in supporting health and wellbeing. The conference created a rare opportunity for people from different sectors to share knowledge, challenge assumptions and learn from one another.

The programme explored themes including trauma recovery, neurodiversity, education, communication, social connection and prevention. Delegates moved between research presentations, hands-on workshops and lively discussions, all centred on a simple question: how can gameplay improve lives?
Participants heard from researchers building an evidence base for the use of games in health and wellbeing settings, alongside practitioners already using them to support people in communities, schools and healthcare environments.

Arts, Heritage & Engagement Director at The Amelia Scott, Jeremy Kimmel, said:

“We are still at the very beginning of understanding the potential of creative health interventions. For years, conversations around health and wellbeing have, quite rightly, focused on clinical interventions, treatment pathways and formal support services. Increasingly, however, we are recognising that prevention, belonging, confidence, identity and social connection matter too.”

As the first conference of its kind in the UK, Rolling Well showcased how role-playing games are already being used to support communication, confidence, trauma-informed practice, educational engagement, neurodivergent young people and community connection. Discussions explored how games can create psychologically safe spaces where people are empowered to experiment, imagine, collaborate and grow.

Jeremy added:

“What struck me was the sheer amount of innovation already taking place across the country, often quietly and without the recognition it deserves. Practitioners are using games in powerful ways to support people and strengthen communities. We need approaches that build resilience, confidence and connection before people reach crisis point, and more spaces like The Amelia Scott that bring together people who would not normally meet.”

For the team at The Amelia Scott, that potential is what makes this work so exciting. We are committed to exploring where culture, creativity, health and community intersect, supporting research, testing new ideas and building partnerships that improve people’s lives. Researchers and practitioners are now beginning to ask deeper questions about how these experiences can be harnessed intentionally and ethically to support wellbeing.

As The Amelia’s creative health programme continues to grow, we hope Rolling Well will become a regular fixture, helping more organisations recognise the value of play and its potential to support healthier, more connected communities.

We’ve rolled the dice. Now the adventure begins.

For details of our creative health programme click here

Our Thanks

Our thanks go to the University of Plymouth, Manchester Metropolitan University, Game in Lab, every speaker, workshop leader and delegate, the Amelia team, and our colleagues at Kent County Council.