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The Power of Play how focusing on children’s play helps deliver better services in
West London On 13 June 2011, in what was
described as a ‘historic moment’, the future of children’s play in four West
London boroughs (Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Hillingdon and Hounslow) was
discussed at the ‘Power of Play’ conference at Ealing Town Hall. The first ever West London
wide play event – organised by Hillingdon Play Association with funding from
the BIG Lottery and kindly hosted by the
London Borough of Ealing Play Service – was opened by Councillor Mohammed
Aslam, Ealing’s Deputy Mayor accompanied by Mrs Aslam, Deputy Mayoress. He said: “Play is a huge part of all of our
lives and is essential to our development, although adults tend to forget this
as they get older. . . . Today provides
an excellent opportunity for us all to meet, share and discuss the issues
affecting children’s play in West London . . . and will hopefully form the
foundations for future partnerships working to ensure that we are providing the
best possible opportunities for children to play.” Keynote speaker John
McDonnell MP, Chair of Trustees at Hillingdon Play Association reminded
delegates who came from nine boroughs that there are still areas with
‘shocking’ levels of play deprivation. We need to work out ‘how we can do more
for less’ and ensure ‘play is built into every aspect of decision-making’. He
said: ‘We need a play campaign in West London across all political parties.’ The
recently developed Hillingdon Play Pledge (see www.hillingdonplay.org.uk) could be
taken up more widely and become a West London Play Pledge to be signed by
parents and policy-makers alike. He urged a Play Audit to be done in each
borough, as a basis for a West London Play Plan, developed by a West London
Play Alliance. ‘Every time you open a new play area, you immediately see the
smiles on children’s faces. What we want is for all children in West London to
have a happy experience.’ Illustrating the healing
Power of Play as a community experience, Hillingdon Councillor Dominic Gilham
presented a photo slide show telling the moving story of the Motoyoshi
Adventure Playground in the City
of Kesen-numa
in Japan, an area devastated by the earthquake and tsunami on 11 March 2011. In
just five weeks, the adventure playground was built by children and adults playfully
working together (see photo). In a message to the West London conference, the
Japan Adventure Playground Association said: “There is no difference
between you and us. The power of play can give children the energy to live. The
power of play can connect people in the community, so that we can tackle
difficult situations together.’ The outcome of the conference
was a firm commitment by participants to continue to work together across
borough boundaries. As one delegate said: “working together as a community we
can make changes for the better”. Notes to the editor
·
The power of play – in parks and open spaces Phil Doyle ·
How do you run a play activity for £30 for 30
children? Artist Caroline
Perry ·
Playing In Neighbourhood Spaces Helen Woolley,
University of Sheffield ·
Play in and after school partnership (CROP –
Children Reclaiming Our Parks) Vicky Jarvis, Field End Infant School, Hillingdon
and Julie Gurbuz, Hillingdon Play Association, with team members Sue Collinson
and Steph Thomas ·
Safer Network – safeguarding children in
challenging times Sharon Long, VCS
Engage London Regional Manager ·
Play and physical activity = healthy children Professor Roger
Mackett, University College London
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The Power of Play