Southampton Children’s Play Association annual play day and play schemes to go ahead again this summer thanks to the Barker-Mill Foundation

Southampton Children’s Play Association (SCPA), a registered charity since 1973, has received £5,234 from the Barker-Mill Foundation (BMF) again this year to assist with the costs of its popular annual playday and to fund the summer play scheme for children in Millbrook.

The playday will take place in Hoglands Park on Friday 26th July, from 10am – 2pm. Children and families from the Southampton area are invited to join SCPA and over 20 other local children’s organisations for hours of fun with free games, music and activities suitable for the whole family.

Last year’s event attracted 6,000 children and their families, parents or carers and the SCPA is hoping to see as many, if not more, people this year.

Anna Roberts, SCPA Play Development Manager said: “We are extremely excited about this year’s annual playday, last year was an incredible success; it was the biggest playday to date and we’re hoping this year will be even bigger!

“While we receive part funding from Southampton City Council, we have to secure other funding in order to run most of our play projects. Without the donation from the Barker-Mill Foundation, we would struggle to run the playday event and we wouldn’t be able to provide a play scheme for the children in Millbrook.”

Families and children who attend the play schemes receive rewards and certificates for their achievements which helps to build on their aspirations. In addition, SCPA offers a full training programme for paid staff and volunteers to ensure high quality Ofsted registered play projects can run in deprived areas of Southampton and surrounding areas.

“Our play schemes are extremely important for local children and young people during the summer holidays, providing a safe and stimulating place to reduce boredom and anti-social behavior in the community.”

Tim Jobling, BMF Trustee, said: “It was great to see how successful last year’s play day was, and this year looks to be just as fantastic! It’s a must visit event for families and children in Southampton over the summer holidays, we were delighted to provide funds to ensure it goes ahead again this year.

“As we continue to support the SCPA it’s wonderful to see the difference their work continues to make for children and their families across Southampton.”

For further information about the Southampton Children’s Play Association, visit www.scpaplay.org.uk