Summer of Play
We’re pledging our support for the #SummerOfPlay. Children and young people have sacrificed so much over the past year, as things open up we’re delighted to be able to give them time, safe spaces and opportunities to play. Friends, freedom and FUN – three steps to recovery!
We’re supporting this pledge because we are always committed to the health and wellbeing of our community. We run after school sports activities at Marlborough Sports Garden and youth clubs and football sessions at Living Space - all activities are free. We’ve also installed natural play equipment and a nature trail at Waterloo Green in response to requests from our community. We love handing our spaces over to children and young people every day after school for friends, freedom and fun.
What is the #SummerOfPlay campaign?
Organisations and individuals have been asked to sign up to a #SummerOfPlay to support children’s mental and physical health as the Covid19 restrictions ease. Play is not simply fun for children, it is vital for their physical and mental health and development.
Who is organising this campaign?
The campaign is being co-ordinated by Play England, Play Scotland, Play Wales, PlayBoard NI, playfirstuk, Playing Out, and Save the Children. Find out more about the Summer of Play pledge here.
Why is play so important?
Play is vital for children’s physical and mental health and development, yet coronavirus restrictions have greatly restricted children’s access to play and outdoor activities. What’s more, we know that children growing up in poverty often have even fewer opportunities to play safely.
Sport and physical activity experts are deeply concerned that the coronavirus pandemic has had a huge impact on children's physical activity levels. (Source: BBC news)
31% of children (2.3 million) did less than an average of 30 minutes a day of physical activity during the first lockdown (Source: Sport England)
If you give children space and freedom outdoors, evidence, experience and common sense all show that they will quite naturally play and be more active. One mum has described it as children “getting exercise without noticing”. (Source: Playing Out)
