Who We Are

Wansdyke Play Association have a strong reputation both locally and within the region for our work to support children's play and development of stronger communities through play (Sure Start Award 2006 and Children and Young People Now award 2007). We have been managing community play for 17 years and have played a key role in developing innovative new projects such as Community Play Rangers.

Our mission is to empower local communities through provision of quality play services which include Community Play Rangers, Holiday Playschemes, Inclusive After School Clubs and young peoples activities and clubs. We run activities and ongoing provision for 5-19 year olds. Our work on community empowerment is with 0-100 year olds in each area

In order to achieve this aim we have devised a range of community work to equip us with a full understanding of the issues that effect children, their families and the community in which they live. We can be described as a civil society organisation. Our work includes management of local steering groups, regular communication with the police and youth offending team, links with social services, schools, community groups and ongoing dialogue with the local authorities to inform strategic development of services at a local level. We give support and advice to local residents groups and in some cases advocate on behalf of children and young people.

Our trustees are all volunteers and lead strategic development through their understanding and expertise of play and local knowledge. We use evidence from our work to inform new projects which address emerging needs and have carried out research which has been instrumental in securing funding for improved community play spaces through Play Pathfinder. (Ref: Improving Your Park)