The BackgroundPlaying Out began on one street in Bristol in 2009 and is now a national movement for changeFrustrated that children couldn’t play outside like so many of us did growing up, friends Amy and Alice got together with neighbours to close their street to traffic and open it up for play. The results were amazing, for children and all ages, and the idea began to spread. Bristol City Council put a policy in place to let street communities play out every week and other councils got interested too.Today the resident led play streets idea has spread around the UK and internationally as a temporary way to give children safe space to play on their doorstep. And Playing Out is a national organisation and movement for longer term change, supporting children’s right to play outside for their health, happiness and sense of belonging.
How to get involved
Time:
The whole process, from having the idea to the first session, takes around 2-3 months. But please don’t let that put you off – the work can be shared and much of that time is simply waiting for the council to give permission!
Links