It’s great to be a part of the larger playing out community – in the UK, Leeds, Bristol, Hackney and a few other places are all working with their councils to make playing happen on streets. Even though Birmingham is implementing a slightly different model from the way street play and others are organised, it’s great to learn from their example:
Playing Out is a not-for-profit national organisation providing free resources and advice for residents about enabling street play. As well as instructional videos and a step-by-step ‘manual for organisers’, you can download template posters and other materials or contact them directly for advice.
They provide a free source of inspiration and advice for residents who want to close their streets and also have a national (closed) Facebook group for residents to discuss issues and to inspire each other. We also encourage Birmingham folk to join our Facebook groups, or start your own for mutual support – KHMPlayingOut for Kings Heath & Moseley and Active Streets for all of Birmingham.
There’s a mailing list for officers setting up play streets or thinking about setting up play streets across the UK, and Active Streets will be sending to Birmingham Street Organisers a newsletter from other street organisers across the UK. We’re also supported by Daniella Radice, whose role is to grow the street play movement across the UK over the next two years and is keen to find as many ways as she can to support people who are implementing it.
“I am looking forward to working with existing activators and residents as well as enthusing lots of new people to join our movement. I will be working with local authorities to help them make street play possible in their areas, and am keen to talk to any particularly helpful council officers that you might know. I would also love to talk to you about your experiences, and hear your ideas.”
Website: www.playingout.net email: [email protected] Tel: 0117 9537167