The idea
Over the last 6 years we have delivered 62 events Countywide which have been attended by over 88,500 people.
Our events are unique in that they offer both FREE Entrance and FREE Activities to ensure an inclusion for ALL. We fundraise to pay for all the activities and facilities management.
We work with a wide range of partners to deliver these events to increase our delivery capacity, share best practice and reduce any duplication.
For the local Children & Young People we offer ‘Health by Stealth’ - Fun and engaging activities all underpinned by serious messages within an outdoor environment.
Parents and carers are better informed on where they can gain advice, support and guidance and what services are available to them, (particularly in the light of the recent Childrens Centre closures and withdrawal of Universal, open access services)
We also educate families on how to Play and undertake activities at no cost.
We deliver events in the heart of the Communities where we work
What we'll deliver
- Deliver a FREE Community Event
- Promote Play & Physical Activity
- Support Community Cohesuion
Why it's a great idea
Our Key, Aims & Objectives for each event are as follows;
For Children & Young People
1) Promote Positive Behaviours & Activities (reduce anti-social behavior)
2) Promote Increased Levels of Physical Activity
3) Promote Healthy Weight Management (obesity reduction)
For Parents / Carers
1) Provide an Event offering both FREE Entrance & FREE Activities to Ensure an Inclusion for ALL
2) Demonstrate how Play & Quality Family Time can be achieved on a Zero / Minimal Budget using Natural & Recycled materials
3) Provide information on services and activities available in the local and wider area
For Communities
1) Encourage a greater sense of belonging to promote Active & Engaged Communities – ‘Love Where You Live’
2) Promote local clubs, groups and societies
3) Involve local groups, communities and Children & Young People in the planning and delivery of each event
Feedback and Evaluation from these events have shown that they encourage a greater sense of Community Cohesion
Steps to get it done
- Event Delivered on Saturday 30th June
The Oxfordshire Play Association (OPA) is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, (Registered Charity Number 1160320) and has been providing a Countywide service across Oxfordshire since 1974.
Our Mission Statement is to ‘Champion and to support the rights of all Children and Young People to have access to high quality, inclusive, Play opportunities to improve their Physical, Mental and Spiritual wellbeing’
We deliver 3 main areas of work;
1) Play Projects (Playday, Street Play, Play Rangers, Playful Woodlands, Therapeutic Playwork, Scrapstore Playpods etc)
2) Play Training (both Short Courses and Accredited Qualifications)
3) Support Services (Advice, Guidance, Outreach, Partnerships and Networking)
