The API are joining the #SummerOfPlay campaign to give children the space, time, and freedom to play this summer as the Covid-19 restrictions are eased. After everything children have been through over the last year, organisations have been asked to sign the pledge to support children’s play this summer.
For more than a year, children across the UK have been forced to spend time indoors, inactive and isolated from friends due to Covid-19 restrictions. It is not surprising that we have seen unprecedented increases in children’s mental health problems and loneliness, alongside reduced physical activity.
The campaign is being co-ordinated by Save the Children, Play England, Play Scotland, Play Wales, PlayBoard NI, playfirstuk and Playing Out. Experts, charities and leading organisations are urgently calling for play to be central to children’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Playgrounds are the No 1 place to play
Free-to-access, public playgrounds are the most common places for children to play, the largest study of play in Britain has found. Children spend more time playing in playgrounds than any other place.
Playgrounds are vital community assets which have a significant impact on children’s health and wellbeing. Recent years have seen a sharp decline in the number of playgrounds. These community spaces are hugely under-funded and hundreds are disappearing. There is now an urgent need for sustained investment in a UK-wide network of playgrounds to protect and enhance children’s health.
Join us in the #SummerofPlay
Organisations and individuals can pledge to support a #SummerOfPlay. Play is not simply fun for children, it is vital for their development and physical and mental health.
Support the API’s social media campaign highlighting the importance of public play spaces by using the hashtags
#SummerofPlay, #PlayMustStay and #FunFriendsFreedom
Together we can all help to make this a positive legacy of lockdown for children, after all they have sacrificed to keep others safe. Let’s begin to restore their freedom with a #SummerOfPlay.
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
