So, you are thinking about Playing Out for your street you know it would be great for your local community and the children would have a lot of fun but are you questioning the time involved, how hard it is to do and would it be worth it?
Then read on and hear how easy Sasha found the application process, the support she received along the way and the fantastic success of her first session
Sasha why did you start Playing Out on your street in Marshalswick?
I thought Playing out was a great idea since I had heard about it from Sustainable St Albans. I had not done it before because of lack of time, but I am currently on maternity leave so could do it now that I am spending more time at home.
I wanted to start Playing Out as I would like my children to have more opportunities for independent outdoors free play with neighbours just like me and their dad did when we were little.
Another reason why I wanted to start Playing Out was because we moved here a few years ago and I thought it would be nice to meet other people in the Close and for our children to meet other children to play with.
Was it easy to get the neighbours involved?
Yes, I was lucky that I found two neighbours that were very keen to help me and be involved with Playing Out. We communicated by text and email, and I kept them informed and involved during the application process. Together we agreed on dates and times of the applications.
How did you find the application process?
Once I attended the training on zoom, which I would recommend as it gives you a good overview of what Playing Out is and how to apply. From then it was a very straight forward process to apply to Playing Out. Also, the Playing Out Team were always there responding promptly by email to questions about it and were more than happy to help me with the application process.
Was there anything you found difficult in the application process?
No, there wasn’t, the application was online, and it was very easy to do.
Any top tips/advice for others starting a Playing Out?
It is easier than what it first looks like! Once you have a couple of neighbours on board, and you keep good communication with them and then the process should flow nicely afterwards.
And you will always get support from the Playing Out team if you are not sure about any of the process or you if you need help with any of the application process.
I have found Playing Out a very rewarding experience, it really gives a lovely sense of community on your street and neighbours and kids will be grateful you organised it!
They held their first Playing Out session on their street in the Marshalswick area in September and it was a huge success as you can see from the pictures, they all had a lot of fun out on the street meeting new people
They had an excellent turnout, with about 13 families, with most of the families having 1-2 children coming out to enjoy the Playing Out Session. Playing Out provides all participating streets with a kit bag which contains lots of helpful information and also chalk and a skipping rope and as you can see from the pictures they were a huge hit with the children!
Have you been inspired by Sasha’s story, then why not join us for one of our information sessions, they are free to attend and will give you all the knowledge and information you need. Find out more at our information sesssions if you would like to join please sign up here we would love for you to join us!
If you have any further questions or would like to contact us about Playing Out please contact the Playing Out Team at playingout@sustainablestalbans.org
