31 July 2024The Association of Play Industries (API) have announced the next phase of their Pathway To Play campaign. API are advocating for significant investment in public playgrounds to help the newly elected government fulfil its manifesto promises for improvements across health, communities and education.
API’s Chair, Dr Amanda Gummer, is requesting meetings with four key government ministers, including the Prime Minister, to discuss the urgent need for policy changes that prioritise universal access to community play opportunities for all children.
In her letter to the PM, she highlights the critical importance of outdoor play for children’s physical, emotional and social development. Research shows a drastic reduction in children’s outdoor play, leading to rising childhood obesity and mental health issues.
API’s campaign calls on the government to:
- Conduct a national audit to assess the quantity, quality and location of public playgrounds
- Ensure long-term sustainability by providing dedicated funding for the installation and upkeep of free-to-use community play spaces
- Integrate outdoor learning into the National Curriculum and fund school play spaces and equipment to increase physical activity levels in schools
Please consider helping API by sharing their #PathwayToPlay social media posts with your networks (Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook) and include campaign updates in your newsletters and communications.
Read their latest press release here.
Visit their Pathway to Play campaign page here.
Dr Amanda Gummer is one of SLCC’s key speakers at our upcoming National Conference which this year takes place on Tuesday 8 October and Wednesday 9 October 2024. Visit our National Conference page to read more about Amanda, view the agenda, and book your place.
