A national campaign calling for a #SummerofPlay

Playful Bristol are joining a national campaign calling for a #SummerofPlay, to help children across the UK recover from the impact of the pandemic.

As lockdown starts to ease Playful Bristol and dozens of other national organisations, including Save the Children and Play England, are coming together to call for a Summer of Play, so children everywhere can start to reconnect, be active outdoors, have fun and recover.

Bristol has always been a playful city – it’s one of the main reasons why Bristol has an international reputation as a family-friendly place to live. Multiple play opportunities are important to families and vital to a healthy, happy childhood.

Over the past 14 months Playful Bristol has heard from many children across the city about how the pandemic has negatively affected their social and mental wellbeing.

Research is starting to show how lack of play is impacting children’s physical and mental health, with the most disadvantaged children being the worst affected.

Kirtsy Wilson from Playful Bristol says

“A Summer of Play is about giving children a chance to recover from the pandemic in the way that they know best and by doing what makes them happy and active - playing. We are asking everyone - parents, residents, councils, schools and other organisations – to support that idea and give children the most playful summer ever.”

Ingrid Skeels, co-director of Playing Out says

“Children desperately need this summer to be one full of play, friends and time outdoors. Play streets are one brilliant way to make this happen. This is about creating safe space, on your doorstep, so children can play and neighbours of all ages and backgrounds can come back together”.

For more information about:

Summer of Play go to: https://www.summerofplay.co.uk/

Playful Bristol go to https://www.playfulbristol.org/

Playing Out and play streets go to: www.playingout.net

#peoplepowered #goodnews #Bristol