Play Strategy - Big Lottery Play Allocation to Hammersmith and Fulham
The Big Lottery has allocated money to each Local Authority to improve the range and quality of play and recreational activity for children and young people. The funding is dependent on each borough developing a Play Strategy. The funding is part of the Big Lottery Fund’s Children’s Play Initiative, which aims to develop free, open-access play provision in the areas of greatest need. The aim of the Strategy is for council departments and partners to work together to ensure children have access and freedom to play within their communities. The strategies accompany a portfolio of projects which must encompass the ‘3 frees’: children are free to choose, free to come and go, and activities are free of charge.
Hammersmith & Fulham’s allocation is £431,000 over 3 years. A play partnership, including representatives from the voluntary sector, was set up to develop and draft the strategy. Following an extensive consultation and development period, including a play audit across the borough, the strategy was submitted to Big Lottery, along with a portfolio of eight projects. The eight projects were agreed by a panel and include both council and voluntary sector projects, these are:
1. South Park – building creative natural play spaces for the local community in the south of the borough (Groundworks)
2. Playful Estates – working with community groups to develop free open-access play areas on council estates across the borough (Groundworks)
3. Mobile African Village Playground – providing a range of cultural activities (Zimbabwean Women’s Network)
4. Durwood Projects – Summer playschemes of music and dance across the borough (Flying Gorillas)
5. Musical drop-in sessions (Music House for Children)
6. Creative workshops – holiday arts and crafts workshops (William Morris)
7. Environmental gardening activities (Community Gardens Association)
8. Junior youth drop-in projects – free open-access provision for 8-13 year olds (LBHF, Junior Youth)
Hammersmith & Fulham’s Play portfolio is being managed by the Play Association, on belhalf of Hammersmith & Fulham Council. For further details, contact Steve on 02077 363699 or steve@playassociationhf.org.uk
