Benefits of play not lost on Children's Services chief (Leeds Liberal Democrats)

Leeds Liberal Democrats <info@leedslibdems.org.uk>

Benefits of play not lost on Children's Services chief

July 26, 2006 9:46 AM

Leeds Play Network, a registered charity dedicated to promoting the benefits of play, has this week seen 22 of it's 'playworkers' graduate to work with children of all ages across Leeds.

Mostly working in areas with significant deprivation, including Chapeltown (near the Children's centre), East End Park, Micklefield and the Kentmere area of Seacroft, the rookie playworkers have a busy summer ahead of them.

In addition, the playworkers will provide support for the council's Breeze festival as it moves around the city as well as the National Playday event on Woodhouse Moor, held on Wednesday 2nd August.

Councillor Richard Brett, Lead Executive Board member for Children's Services, took time out to visit the home of Leeds Play Network and meet some of the recently graduated playworkers.

Councillor Richard Brett (Lib Dem, Burmantofts and Richmond Hill) "Having seen the work of the Leeds Play Network for myself I was delighted to see so many new faces on board. All the graduates seemed keen to get underway, with some great ideas being banded about."

Councillor Brett added, "The chance for children to integrate and interact in an environment in which they feel comfortable and stimulated should not be missed. Credit has to go to Leeds Play Network for providing such excellent summer opportunities for children in our city."

Notes:

1. www.leedsplaynetwork.org.uk - website

2. Most of the graduate group having undertaken degrees in Playwork at Leeds Met University and other child related courses such as child development studies. The playworkers have also been on Leeds Play Network's own training programme that has taught the students a range of subjects such as play activities, child protection and first aid.