playing out
positive community action in un-safe spaces
Our experiences working in public parks in areas of urban deprivation have taught us that they are sites where multiple identities and uses can lead to fear, conflict and reveal vulnerabilities within the community. Reclaiming these spaces for children to play makes the parks feel safer and communities feel stronger.
Parents tell us they are worried about
risks of playing in public parks from gangs, drug dealers and strangers
being judged as bad parents for letting children play out in local parks
feeling isolated and alone in their communities
playwork training and regular groups
Etruria Matters told us they wanted to run free play sessions in their local park after supporting our Forest Worlds Festival as volunteers. We delivered playwork training for community leaders and supported them to deliver 4 playing out sessions bringing 100 local children and families into their neighbourhood park during Aug 2019.
Between Sept 2019 - March 2020 we held monthly Playing Out sessions in Fenton East’s green spaces. These were attended by young people referred to the project by Clarice Cliff Primary School as well as those we found roaming the area alone. The school informed us that all children in the group were known to their safeguarding and special needs teams.
We invited the young people to explore their local park with us and decide what activities they wanted us to bring for the next session. Activities included photo walks, den building, raft building, tree climbing, painting and constructing a rope playground.
barriers to playing out
The parents, community groups and schools we work with recognise the value of children playing out but came across a number of barriers:
formal permissions required by city councils
public liability insurance
equipment and materials
confidence to deal with challenging behaviour and situations
responsible adult volunteers to manage children’s needs and safety
