Later today, the Government is announcing a ‘Winter Economy Plan’ outlining how it is going to spend our money over the coming months. The focus is expected to be on support after the furlough scheme comes to an end, but the potential of the plan includes everyone. Children have not been at the heart of policy and so this is a great opportunity to give children the best chance for the future.
Children and young people have written a letter to the Chancellor asking him to put children at the heart of their spending decisions. Today, children and young people, parents, and the organisations that represent them will be coming together on social media to call on the Chancellor to listen.
Our ask is simple: we call on the Government to show they are serious about children’s welfare by investing in public outdoor play provision as part of their recovery plans.
The link between positive mental and physical health and exercise is well known. And yet, playgrounds are closing at an alarming rate meaning many children are being denied outdoor play and exercise.
A simple and effective public health measure
Significant investment in public playgrounds will have an immediate and lasting positive impact on the lives of millions of children. 1 in 8 UK households have no garden or outside space meaning that children in the most disadvantaged areas are the worst affected and suffer the most. For millions of children, free-to-access public playgrounds are their ONLY chance to play outdoors.
Playgrounds combat inequality, obesity and poor mental health
If the Government are serious about tackling inequality, childhood obesity and record levels of mental ill-health, then they must invest in community playgrounds. Playgrounds are a major way for ALL children to get and remain active.
United, we can send a clear message to the Chancellor to invest in national public play provision.
Please support us today on social media, particularly Twitter, using the hashtags #GiveUsAChancellor, #PlayMustStay and #ChildrenAtTheHeart.
Notes to Editors
The Association of Play Industries (API) www.api-play.org is the lead trade body within the play sector and campaigns at the highest levels for policy recognition for play. Its members are leading manufacturers, installers, designers and distributors of both outdoor and indoor play equipment and safety surfacing. Founded in 1984, the API represents 85% of the play industry.
The API operates under the umbrella of the Federation of Sports and Play Associations (FSPA), the national trade body responsible for representing Sports and Play Associations in the UK’s sport and play industries. www.sportsandplay.com
Media Contact
Mary Lubrano, Head of Communications. For further comment contact Mary on e: [email protected] m: 07999 550452
