PLAY.

Support PLAY

Help turn these proposals
into places people can use.

Support architectural projects that bring the creative, intellectual and spiritual dimensions of life into the places where care happens.

Make a donation.

Support PLAY’s work as a whole, helping develop proposals, build partnerships and secure the expertise needed to deliver them.

Your donation GBP · One-off
Your details

For your payment receipt and correspondence about your donation.

Gift Aid Optional

Your £25 could become £31.25, at no extra cost to you.

Read how we use your information in our privacy notice.

PLAY is the architectural programme of OBAMBULO CIO.
Registered charity 1215653.
How we look after your support

What your support
makes possible.

Design, materials, specialist knowledge and local coordination: the work of making an idea ready for everyday use.

Ethandweni

£45,000

A playground with astronomy provision, giving children room to invent games and explore the universe.

In developmentExplore the project
The target in perspective

Runnymede Borough Council budgeted £45,000 in 2023 for replacement surfacing at Gogmore Farm play area. Our indicative £45,000 target is intended to fund the complete playground and astronomy project.

A comparison of scale, rather than a like-for-like construction estimate. Runnymede Borough Council · 2023 repairs budget, p. 51

Mlondolozi

£37,500

A Christian chapel for women who choose prayer, shared worship and pastoral support.

In developmentExplore the project
The target in perspective

Restoring the organ at St Mary’s, Kingswood, cost around £40,000 in 2021. Our indicative £37,500 target is intended to fund the whole chapel, including its roof, seating, lighting and fittings.

A comparison of scale, rather than a like-for-like construction estimate. St Mary’s, Kingswood · Sweetland organ restoration

St Francis

£23,000

An outdoor music setting where children with severe or profound learning disabilities can initiate, express and connect.

In developmentExplore the project
The target in perspective

Broughton Pianos lists a new Yamaha C2X grand piano at £23,499. Our indicative £23,000 target is intended to fund the outdoor music installation, access, supporting features and staff orientation.

A comparison of scale, rather than a like-for-like construction estimate. Broughton Pianos · advertised price checked 29 October 2026

Targets are indicative, subject to detailed costing and approvals. Project appeals open only when the required authority and permissions are in place.

Imagination, with
accountability.

Each project sets out what its budget would cover, what must be agreed before delivery, and how its continuing life would be supported.

Our commitments include progress updates, a completion report and an account of how project funds were used.

Read our responsibilities

More than one way to contribute

Bring something
to the work.

A larger gift, specialist knowledge, materials or a local partnership could help a project take shape.

Discuss a contribution or partnership

The charity behind PLAY

OBAMBULO CIO

Charity number 1215653

Charity Commission register

PLAY is the architectural programme of OBAMBULO CIO. The charity is regulated by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

The projects shown here are in development. Fundraising and delivery depend on the charity’s legally effective objects, institutional permissions and agreed responsibilities.

People behind
the work.

Francesco Benati

Founder

Leads the charity’s vision and develops projects that reimagine what institutional spaces can make possible.

Amber Jacobs

Design

Raised in Zimbabwe and working at Horden Cherry Lee Architects, Amber brings architectural design thinking and technical expertise.

Lesley Macdonald

Chair

Former Head of Grants at the Robertson Trust, Lesley brings experience in philanthropy, fundraising and charitable delivery.

Tendayi Gombera

Trustee

Drawing on private equity experience at TowerBrook Capital Partners, Tendayi contributes financial insight and strategic guidance.

Chenesai Pamela Jenjezwa

Trustee

Leads Interact and local coordination at Girls’ College, Bulawayo, supporting local partnerships, youth engagement and work on the ground.

Our responsibilities

Authority before commitment
Institutional and site permissions, the charity’s authority and delivery arrangements must be confirmed before funds are accepted or capital expenditure is committed. The chapel requires written prison permission, site approval and the necessary constitutional authority before fundraising.
A clear purpose for funds
Project budgets must identify direct delivery costs. Appeal terms must explain what happens if funding is insufficient, funds remain, the design changes materially or the project cannot proceed.
Participation remains a choice
Safeguarding, privacy and accessible routes for raising concerns belong in each project. Access must never depend on taking part in publicity. Worship must remain voluntary.
Care after opening
Inspection, staff orientation, maintenance guidance and named responsibilities belong in handover. Planned reviews at six and twelve months should report difficulties and corrective actions alongside achievements.

Press & media

For stories about PLAY, project information or interview enquiries, get in touch.

Contact us for press enquiries