Play Gloucestershire is the local children’s charity that uses the power of play to transform children’s lives. They deliver active and creative outdoor play in urban and rural communities, all year round. Activities are school and community based and Play Rangers provide adventure, friendship and fun for hundreds of school aged children each year.
What they do
During the pandemic Play Gloucestershire have worked tirelessly to adapt what they can offer and have made up and distributed thousands of bags of play, as well as launching their 'stepping out' walks for the families and children that need it most. Find out more about current operating hours and services by visiting Play Gloucestershire or following them on Facebook or Twitter. |
|
|
|
"Initially we created ‘Virtual Play Rangers’, sharing online content detailing low-cost play activities and mental health boosts, but we wanted to do something practical, and being mindful of digital exclusion, our ‘Bags for Play’ campaign was born. Each bag was a mini version of the kit we would usually take to communities in our fleet of vans. Equipment that could lead to play at home, in the garden, on a balcony. With the help of external funders, long-term local council funders and generous donations via our ‘Bags of Play Appeal’, we packed and delivered 1,500 bags for vulnerable children and families across Gloucestershire.
Concerns about the impact of [the first] lockdown on the most vulnerable children in Gloucestershire created an opportunity for us to collaborate with Gloucestershire County Council's Early Help and Prevention Team. They funded us to lead Play Nurture sessions for vulnerable children and those facing a disrupted transition from year 6 to year 7 due to the pandemic. Our Play Nurture work provides vulnerable children with the time and space to take part in child-led outdoor play and benefit from its restorative and healing qualities.
Following the success of these projects, we recently secured funding for our ‘Play 2 Recover’ project from the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, distributed by The National Lottery Community Fund and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. This core funding for the next six months of our recovery phase will enable us to continue supporting children and families in need through Play Nurture bubbles and ensure our survival as a charity, putting us in a strong position to resume our community-based work when restrictions are finally lifted."
Charlie, Active Play Organiser
Concerns about the impact of [the first] lockdown on the most vulnerable children in Gloucestershire created an opportunity for us to collaborate with Gloucestershire County Council's Early Help and Prevention Team. They funded us to lead Play Nurture sessions for vulnerable children and those facing a disrupted transition from year 6 to year 7 due to the pandemic. Our Play Nurture work provides vulnerable children with the time and space to take part in child-led outdoor play and benefit from its restorative and healing qualities.
Following the success of these projects, we recently secured funding for our ‘Play 2 Recover’ project from the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, distributed by The National Lottery Community Fund and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. This core funding for the next six months of our recovery phase will enable us to continue supporting children and families in need through Play Nurture bubbles and ensure our survival as a charity, putting us in a strong position to resume our community-based work when restrictions are finally lifted."
Charlie, Active Play Organiser
Working with Gloucestershire Gateway Trust - commitment
Play Gloucestershire has been a core-funded partner of Gloucestershire Gateway Trust since inception, receiving an annual Community Development Grant from us every year for five years, committed until 2022. This is made possible thanks to our stake in Gloucester Services on the M5, we receive up to 3p in every £1 of non-fuel sales which we invest in local communities.
Play Gloucestershire committed to using the funding to support the Director of Play role to lead the strategic development of key work streams and play delivery in target communities.
Play Gloucestershire committed to using the funding to support the Director of Play role to lead the strategic development of key work streams and play delivery in target communities.
