Culture Quay

At Let’s Play America (LPA) we believe everyone deserves to play. If you are looking for a way to bring play, fun, activity, health and energy to your community our Play Day programme and how to handbooks will help you do just that. Communities have gathered and played together for centuries and there was a time when these play events were the highlight of the year. Everyone looked forward to gathering, dining and playing together. We at LPA want to help you regain your sense of community, and we feel one of the best ways to do this is to plan a Play Day. It's your turn to bring magic to your community so read the steps with a playful eye, watch the videos, laugh, smile and dream of what you can do to bring play to others. Playing is universal and something we all should experience often. Let’s play!

Culture Quay

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From the 7th October 2022 until the 31st March 2023 we hosted bi-weekly drop in play days for our care experienced young people. The young people had access to a sports hall with the option of playing football or basketball and other indoor games. In the main hall we had two pool tables, giant connect four and a games console hooked up to a large projector where the young people could play family-friendly multi-player games. We had several tables set up with different arts and crafts activities including the ever- popular slime making table. We served buffet food throughout each event to make sure everyone had eaten. There was also a smaller quiet ASD friendly room where young people could sit quietly together and read, draw, paint and go on the computer.

In December 2022 we hosted a larger Christmas party with a DJ playing and performers at an ASD friendly volume in the sports hall, Christmas themed arts and craft table in the main hall and seasonal slime. There was also a Christmas related party buffet, balloons and plenty of bubbles.

In March the young people started to request trips to different locations and as the weather was improving we had a discussion and decided to end the drop in sessions and focus on targeted events in the community.

On the 13th April during the Easter half-term we held a beach day in Hunstanton, the young people met on the green and had the choice of going on the beach or going to the arcades. We arranged trips to the local sea life centre in smaller groups and then met up at lunchtime and had fish and chips on the green.

On the 11th July we organised a trip to the local horse sanctuary to spend time with the horses. Some young people were able to stroke and brush the horses. We then had pizza and chips in their care.

On the 16th August 2023 we organised a Wellness Walk around the Lynford Arboretum. The young people enjoyed seeing following the nature trails and some lovely walks to see the cows. Followed by a light bite in the café.

on 25th October during the half term we plan to have another play day meet up at high lodge. Where are offering the young people the opportunity to Go Ape and Archery followed by a BBQ. There are also some nice walks and adventure golf. It’s a nice place to hold an event because it is nice open space there’s a park there as well, nice walks and activities so it shouldn’t feel overwhelming for the young people as this is a larger group.

We have plans to host another Christmas party in December 2023 and are discussing restarting the bi-weekly drop in sessions over the colder winter months.

Impact:

- More care experienced young people are engaging in fun activities that they otherwise would not get the opportunity to take part in.

- Care experienced young people are widening their social network, getting out and meeting new people and making new friends.

- Care experienced young people have a better relationship with the professionals around them from sharing in these activities