Play associations
Play associations are voluntary organisations which work locally in London borough areas to promote and support children's play. Each play association responds to the needs of the local community and the play opportunities in their area.
London Play is a separate organisation from the play associations but works closely with them as an umbrella body. It supports the play associations through the Play Association Network (PAN London), campaigns with and for them, and represents their collective voice to policy groups, government and other organisations.
In some areas, play support agencies or play networks exist instead of play associations. Play support agencies can consist of a play specialist based in a voluntary service council for children, for example. Play support agencies have similar outcomes to play associations, working locally to improve play opportunities in the area.
One of London Play's core activities is to work with local partners and communities to develop play associations in boroughs which have little or no existing play infrastructure. There are currently 13 play associations and other play support agencies, many of which were set up with help from London Play's Play Together project (2000 - 2003, Community Fund). The Partners for Play project aimed to build on that success, and develop more play associations where the need is greatest.
If you are not a member of the Play Association Network and would like to join, please email us.
Related Links
