What we do?

 

 

We work hard to support play provision that promotes challenge and risk and that excites and interests children and young people of all ages.

 

We do this by:

  • Representing the Play Sector at key meetings.
  • Providing information about resources and events.
  • Supporting local play organisations to provide high quality activities and events.

If you would like to be added to our mailing list and receive newsletters, please contact us.

 

Somerset Play Forum began as an informal networking group in 1990. Since that time it has grown to provide support and infrastructure for the Play Sector across Somerset.

 

  • Support and expert advice to all Voluntary and Community Play providers in Somerset.

  • Strategic representation at County and District meetings, regional and national groups.

  • The process for campaigning for higher quality and increased play opportunities for all children and young people in Somerset.

  • Resources for developing children and young people’s play provision and opportunities in Somerset.

Somerset Play Forum is chaired by Mr Michael Hammond, Children's Services Manager for Barnardo's in Somerset. The work of Somerset Play Forum is greatly enhanced by generous support from Barnardo’s Somerset Play and Participation Service who currently employ our development worker.

Somerset Children's Fund provided funding for a part-time Development Worker in 2005 to help develop Somerset Play Forum. That post is now funded through a service level agreement from Somerset County Council to Barnardo's.  In turn this led to funding to support District Councils in writing Play strategies in 2006 that drew down Big Lottery funding, funding for a Play Ranger Service across four Districts, funding for the Play and Participation Service, the Play Builder Programme and most recently funding to provide support for a 'play' option in the Healthy Schools Plus programme.  We are a Private Limited Company and a registered Charity.

Somerset Play Forum is a member of The Children’s Play Council, an alliance of national and regional voluntary organisations, local authorities and partnerships promoting children's right to play and the development of play provision in England.