What we do...
Somerset Play Forum works to support play provision that promotes challenge and
risk which will excite and interest children & young people of all ages.
We do this by...
Representing the Play sector at meetings
Providing information about resources and events
Supporting local play assocaitions to provide high quality activities and events
Hosting an annual conference
If you would like to become a member and be added to our
E-mailing list please Contact Us
Somerset Play 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 by providing/supporting:
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 & young people in Somerset.
Resources for developing children & young people's play provision and opportunities in Somerset.
Somerset Play Forum is directed 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 & Participation Service who currently employ our Development Workers.
Somerset Children's Fund provided funding for a part-time Development Worker in 2005 to help grow Somerset Play Forum. This 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 for a Play Ranger service across four Districts as well as funding for the Somerset Play & Participation Service, the Playbuilder 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.