Old-school fun can be recaptured with Playing Out

Remembering the fun of their childhoods, parents headed to the '˜Playing Out' workshop to find out how their children can experience the long-lost freedom of playing outside.
By The Newsroom
Published 29th Apr 2016, 11:17 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 18:42 BST

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Workshop open to the public on the concept of Playing Out in streets. Maisie Minett and daughter Idra Minett 6months. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160421-185241008Workshop open to the public on the concept of Playing Out in streets. Maisie Minett and daughter Idra Minett 6months. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160421-185241008
Workshop open to the public on the concept of Playing Out in streets. Maisie Minett and daughter Idra Minett 6months. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160421-185241008

The campaign – which is backed by Chichester City Council’s Sarah Sharp – looks to close off residential roads for a few hours at a time to allow children to play freely with their friends.

Naomi Fuller, from Playing Out, said: “This campaign is all about bringing the community together by opening your door and your street to connect with your neighbours.

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“Children are able to make up their own games as well as gaining the physical benefits from playing outside rather than watching television.”

Members of the public who attended were able to see the success of the campaign in other areas, such as Bristol – where playing out began – and find out how they can recreate the fun in Chichester.

Cllr Sharp said: “This campaign has grown out of my other road awareness schemes such as 20mph and the cycle campaign.

“I think it is important to realise the streets are not just for cars but for people too.”

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Parents and residents interested in closing their street for their children to play are encouraged to talk to their neighbours about the possibility of taking part in the scheme.

“It is all about communicating with those who live next to you,” added Sarah. “So many people get home from work and close the door and don’t talk to the people who live closest, by taking time to communicate you can make the first steps to opening the streets to your children.

For more information on Playing Out, visit playingout.net

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Related topics:ParentsBristol