COMMUNITY CONTACTS
THE FOLLOWING IS A HANDBOOK I COMPOSED AND WHICH WAS PUBLISHED BY THE NATIONAL PLAYING FIELDS ASSOCIATION IN 1978 "Contacts, Advice and Information in the Community"
Foreword
This was my original Play times own on-line publication,
A following is a handbook designed specifically by our resident play consultant, for play workers, community workers and children's workers generally.
This should be an invaluable source of information and inspiration on play work generally, for both new entrants to the profession, or the more established professionals in the UK.
There are also a variety of links included, to specific web sites.
CONTACTS ARE VITAL FOR THE FOLLOWING PURPOSES:
Local active involvement and participation from members of the community such as parents and volunteers.
To develop relationships with local children through existing organisations and community groups such as schools, clubs and community centres.
To develop relationships with other community groups and professional workers from similar disciplines.
To develop ongoing relationships with officials and councillors from the local authority and the various departments who could be of value in future activities and co operative ventures.
To be active in local concerns and issues with Neighbourhood Councils, community councils and similar representative bodies.
To form or be involved in the formation of management committees, steering groups, parents associations, play councils or similar bodies.
To act as a springboard for the development of community action projects concerned with child's play in the locality.
To gain specialist advice, knowledge and know how, from national play organisations and others.
To be able to gain support as well as to be able to use other resources in the community for the betterment of the children attending the play facility.
To gain parental support and co -operation throughout the projects life and for them to be seen as an essential part of its community.
To have access to the very best quality play equipment and materials available at a reasonable price and often at no costs or as a one off gift.
To encourage contributions and donations of finance, materials and labour best suited to the requirements of the play project, from the private sector, as well as national, local charities or individuals.
CONTACTS FOR ADVICE AND INFORMATION IN THE COMMUNITY
By RAY WILLS
STATUTORY SERVICES
This covers a multitude of departments, services and specialists in all fields of disciplines and professions, who the play worker will need to contact at one time or another, either on a particular issue or in his or her everyday working life and responsibilities.
This can include the following:
- Local Authority council officers. Local Authority Social Services. Northern Ireland Local Education Departments The Youth Service. Youth Service History National Youth Agency Youth Information Website YMCA House Youth 2000 British Youth Council Education Welfare Department National Confederation of Parent Teacher Associations Colleges and Universities Student world The Probation service Central Government Child Guidance Special Needs / Education Medical Health Services Kids Health Road Safety The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents The Road Safety Officer can show films and videos on all aspects of road safety as well as cartoons. The local 'Tufty' club or a similar children's road safety club is a good contact.
They can be contacted through the Road Safety office. They have in the past provided novelties for children's parties, road safety aids and literature. Special Education Nurseries NCSU Gingerbread Kids Unlimited Tumble Tots Hampshire Council Nursery World Acorn Day Nursery Libraries Local libraries are an excellent source of local addresses, contacts and networking.
They can also assist with story telling sessions at the project, artwork sessions and book exhibitions.They can also show films and provide group membership for loan of books, records compact discs and cassettes etc.
May also be prepared to work with slow learners at the play project itself. As well as being useful for group visits. Charity Net / Resources UK Public Library Search / Resources on the Net UK Web Library Search
POLITICAL PARTIES AND POLITICIANS
Labour Party Conservative Party Liberal Democrats Because of such contacts via networking, the play worker will need to work closely with others, whose roles are as just as vital to community development.
The local councillors, or the local MP. These are very important for establishing adequate quality play facilities locally and for ensuring adequate resources are available. These can be contacted via the local town hall, or in the case of the local MPs at Westminster, c/o House of Commons.
THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY
THE LABOUR PARTY
THE LIBERAL PARTY
THE STATUTORY PROFESSIONALS
Education Officers and Education Welfare Officers to discuss policy concerning all matters of common interest such as: - Truancy, Out of school activities, schools community project, or schemes and school visits to the project, Sixth form studies, placements, community projects and the use of school premises. Visits to the school by play staff to talk on play, facilities, equipment and resources during school holidays, loans of equipment and play staff training. Teaching staff volunteers on the project, special schools involvement, play staff assisting with school functions, hire of school bus, trips out to other venues. All of these areas indicated are useful means of providing possible mutual support.
COUNTY YOUTH OFFICERS AND AREA YOUTH OFFICERS
To discuss possible issues and developments concerning local youth service provision and common interests. The possible resources available for all young people, social and recreational. The dual use of recreational and social facilities, cheap rates and grant aid as well as shared facilities and resources. Training of workers and suitable options for particular age groups of children and young people. Common purpose strategies for promoting local initiatives and neighbourhood activities generally.
YOUTH WORKERS, DETACHED WORKERS AND CLUB LEADERS
To discuss common concerns, children, youth, policies, plans and ways of future common progress locally. Share resources, facilities and co- ordinate activities and events to the mutual benefit of the projects and young people locally. A good possibility to share concerns about a particular member or issue and act mutually to gain a united strategy. Can often provide support of volunteers, local contacts and resources. Use of mini bus or similar vehicle at reduced rates and other similar or mutual benefits. Regular meetings can be arranged between the play workers and youth workers and should be an essential part of the job to avoid isolation and to share common concerns as well as positive means to encourage local community development.
Grants for the development of youth clubs within the play project such as on an adventure playground to cover costs of salaries etc have in the past been obtainable through the offices of the Youth Service/Education Department.
Adventure play schemes or similar have gained support in this way to meet specific demands from their youth membership if only on a session basis. Initially starting with one session per week and gradually increasing with proven demand and need. Such proof, has in the past, been supplied by the following scenario.
A letter requesting a youth club signed by as many young people over 14 years as possible sent to the Area Youth Officer. Copies of this should also be sent to the local Social Services office and to a sympathetic councilor. If the area youth officer is consulted and supports your case it would be advisable to negotiate through him. When once the club is approved a management committee would need to be formed to accept overall responsibility for its day to day operation. It would be advisable from the outset to ensure that the leader employed to run the youth section is able and willing to work in an informal way with children as well as youths as part of the projects overall team. He or she would therefore be required to attend the projects management committees meetings as well as the youth section committee.
The success of the youth club section of the play project will depend largely on its integration into the overall project and not vice versa. A committee of young people members of the youth section would assume day to day responsibilities and elect their own officers to sit on the youth club committee. There would need to be a full register of members, session attendance, along with rates and a record of membership subscriptions kept. Regular monthly meetings held with agendas and minutes copies of which should be filed and sent to all involved or interested parties including youth services.
SCHOOL HEAD TEACHERS AND STAFF OF ALL LOCAL SCHOOLS INCLUDING RESIDENTIAL AND SPECIAL SCHOOLS
Parent / teachers bodies To discuss common concerns and policies, use of school premises and facilities during school holidays and to explore possibilities of closer working relationship between play activities and education. Teachers can usually be met in their staff room and should be encouraged to Participate in the project activities if possible. Often it may be possible for them to assist with actual play events such as drama, recreational schemes or other child's play activity. Children can often be met formally in their class or in more informal activities within the school where the project existence and programme can be explained. It is often the case with a new project that this is essential to form contacts with the children. Special schools and residential schools for children with particular educational needs, maladjusted or physical disabilities are usually keen to make use of the play project facility on a regular basis.
To break down barriers and provide opportunities for play and social integration with more fortunate children. It will also be useful to contact careers advisors, teachers of practical studies such as woodwork, metal work, art and craft As well as remedial teachers, home/school liaison officers and educational psychologists to investigate future possibilities for co-operation or joint action.
The Education officer can provide contact numbers and addresses for these when required. Teacher Trainees/Students can almost certainly be approached for possible placement on the play project.
SCHOOL COUNSELLORS OR SOCIAL WORKERS
A number of schools have their counsellor or social welfare worker attached to the school whose role it is to be more of a friend to the child or a confidant. He or she helps bridge the gap between home and school and to assist the children in solving problems or difficulties they may encounter in their daily lives. Theirs is a similar role to that of the Education Welfare Officers.
GYPSY LIAISON OFFICERS These are specialist educationalists, who work specifically with gypsy or tinker children and encourage them to attend schools or provide educational support at their caravan site on a regular basis. http://www.grtleeds.co.uk/information/GypsyCouncil.html
PARENT TEACHERS ASSOCIATIONS/FRIENDS OF THE SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
Kidscape PTAs can offer sound valuable support for the play project particularly so with site clearance and open day events. In addition, there may be means of possible finance through fund raising initiatives. Contact should be made via local schools or Education office.
SCHOOL GOVERNING BODIES
Members of such groups can be invaluable as a source of local knowledge and expertise.
SCHOOL CARETAKERS
These can be a vitally important contact particularly so in the case of holiday play schemes after school clubs are using school premises. The caretaker can often be sympathetic to your project and its best to have him as your ally. He should be encouraged to be involved. Often the success of the scheme will depend somewhat on this mutual understanding relationship for its success.
NURSERY EDUCATION CENTRES
The local Nursery Day Centres are good contacts for the future with access to local play activity companies and for possible visits to the play project and for events and community liaison.There is an area Nursery Adviser. COLLEGES, UNIVERSITIES AND SIMILAR EDUCATIONAL ESTABLISHMENTS
These can be a main source of volunteers particularly for holiday periods or work placements. National voluntary agencies such as C.S.V, and others rely on student volunteers for their numerous projects, for placements nationally on a variety of community projects, including play projects. Also invaluable for establishing play work courses, notably through their own social studies or sociology departments. A useful source for fund raising or for funds through their student bodies or rag weeks carnivals etc. It may be possible to loan or hire equipment such as video camera or to hire rooms or have a lecturer assist with a particular play project. The college principle or principle lecturers in specific disciplines such as art and community work or the students unions are the best contacts.
SOCIAL SERVICES/ SOCIAL WORKERS http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Department_of_Health,_Social_Services_and_Public_Safety
These services cover a multi disciplinary range of functions and workers; many of who have certain areas of their duties involving children and child care services. Since recent child day care legislation play work is one of their management key areas of concern. Some departments provide support to play projects through funding or a support network of workers and co ordination skills. There are area teams of key workers and often the play worker may have an opportunity to sit on their team meetings. It may well be useful to provide them with regular updates on numbers attending and to ensure the correct ratio of staff to child is adhered to. It is worthwhile to send them a regular play progress report as they may wish to refer specific needy children for outings and social activities. Social workers may well be invited to attend the play projects meetings.
The local area office could well be a useful place to visit regularly for support with a variety of play- related issues and possible financial aid for a specific project. On the other hand, to cover the extra costs of cover for staffing, during busy peak holiday periods. Social services deal with most aspects of welfare work with children including day care, residential, fostering and preventative work. They advise on family issues, provide counselling, offer guidance and support to individuals who need help and assist families in crisis.
PROBATION OFFICERS/HOME OFFICE http://www.moreuk.com/probation_services
Concerned with individuals who have broken the law and have been prescribed a period of time under the guidance and supervision of the Probation Officer. Within a framework of laws and orders, such as Probation periods, Community Service Orders, Intermediate Treatment Orders, etc. The Probation officer could well be a very good ally as often will know many of the more difficult youngsters in the local community and could well be prepared to become involved in the project as a member of the committee or as a volunteer. Community Service and Intermediate treatment for young offenders could well fall within the play projects involvement, with particular projects such as building work. It may also be necessary in the future to attend court in support of a young person who uses the play facility. Trainee Probation officers could also be considered, as a possible placement to be placed on the play project as an assistant trainee.
POLICE
The local bobby can be invaluable as both a source of information and a useful ally. The best contact is the local neighbourhood police officer, who is most likely to be sympathetic to the play project. Other contacts include the senior officer, the community liaison officer and the crime prevention officer. It is worth discussing general policy and gaining their co -operation for future reference. The local bobby may well be prepared to be involved with the play project or as a committee member and should always be invited to all major play functions. CHILD
GUIDANCE UNITS/HEALTH
They provide a specialist range of services for children who need individual psychological support due to a variety of circumstances. They may well wish to use the play project for referrals, as to provide a means of social interaction with other children and as a relief and outlet for the problems of the children. HEALTH CENTRES AND SURGERIES 
Provide a wide range of resources and contacts including GPs, Health Visitors, District Nurses, Family planning Clinics, Well men and well women clinics, Carers groups, and information and advice on all areas of health. Can often arrange educational programmes on health related matters.
LOCAL AUTHORITY LEISURE, RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT SERVICES
Parks department or Leisure and Recreation Local authorities choose from a variety of permutations of these titles when naming their recreation department. However whatever name is used they all provide details of the local leisure, and sports related services, local events, theatre entertainment and other community related facilities. They offer reduced rates for halls and community concessionaire use for groups, as well as swimming baths, theatres and sports halls.
These cover a variety of provisions for children and young people, which can include supervised play provision as well as unsupervised play facilities, ranging from holiday play schemes, adventure playgrounds, to parks, swing parks and play areas. Co-operation with their play leadership section is invaluable for any locally managed voluntary managed play project and is mutually beneficial to all.
Through their various Departments they have responsibility for upkeep and use of recreation playing fields, swing parks, toddlers play areas, neighbourhood parks etc. They have a wealth of knowledge and expertise on all manner of things from seeds for grass, layout of pitches for games, topsoil advice, trees and plants to particular recreational activities. Their landscape department is invaluable for advice on site layout, screening, or the hire of vehicles and tools.
The refuse departments can assist with removal of dangerous items. Whilst the highways department may loan or hire out vehicles and drivers for collections of large play materials, as well as sources of rope and metal stakes etc. Housing departments can provide details of contacts for building materials and transport when available.
Many local authorities have particular expertise in play provision such as play leadership programmes, adventure playgrounds, play centres, park clubs and with the development, maintenance and management of unsupervised play spaces. Often they have their own play department with officers such as play officer, play co-ordinator or manager.
Their planning departments may consult with play workers over provisions of a full range of play facilities in new areas of future residential development and should be well aware of safety and play standards generally. The range and variety of amenities on offer by local authorities are vast and can well include the following: - Sports and leisure centres, pavilions, community centres, theatres, swimming pools, gymnasiums, international centres, art centres, cinemas, sports pavilions, play centres, adventure playgrounds, youth centres, meeting rooms, skating rinks, libraries, parks, gardens, children's centres, nature centres, educational centres, boating lakes, museums, zoos, theme parks, tourist centres, day nurseries and garden nurseries.
COMMUNITY WORKERS
These professionals are employed by a number of agencies including local authorities, social services, voluntary bodies or local voluntary groups. They usually operate within a specific neighbourhood encouraging local community involvement through formation of local action groups, tenants associations, use of community centres and facilities. Useful in gaining local support networks for your play project. Community Action
PRESS OFFICERS
Some local authorities have their very own, press officer. Whose role it is to deal with all matters concerning the local press and related issues. Press and Media
FIRE BRIGADE SITES
The local fire officer should be approached if considering a November 5th bonfire celebrations. He will offer advice on fire regulations and safety precautions. Visits to the local fire station can be arranged for the children for demonstrations and educational programmes are possible.
LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS AND VOLUNTARY BODIES
Voluntary Community Service Volunteers There are a vast variety and number of local groups who are actively concerned with a variety of specific issues and services to the local community. These include residents associations, tenant groups, housing associations, co- operative society's, Community Associations, Play Associations, Neighbourhood Councils, Play Councils, etc. All of such bodies signify groups of local people meeting together on a regular basis to further local action to benefit their members and concerns. Their support would be useful particularly in the early stages of development of your play project in gaining local publicity and active support, in management or fund raising activities. I may help to give a talk to them or lead a discussion on the benefits and aims of your play project.
COMMUNITY RELATIONS COUNCIL http://www.ccruni.gov.uk/relations/officers.htm
A local community relations council can offer advice, information and support, on all aspects of community relations, particularly relevant to multi racial communities.
THE ROUND TABLE, ROTARY CLUBS, LIONS CLUBS, AND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND THE EQUIVALENT LADIES ORGANISATIONS. SERVICE MEN'S CLUBS, NAAFI, BRITISH LEGION.
These organisations are particularly helpful to play workers working within an army camp or similar neighbourhood. The contacts relevant to service families and civilians are the Camp Brigadier, Chief Clerks who are attached to the camp administration and Youth Officers. They may offer dual use of facilities, venues and voluntary help on specific projects such as assault courses, airmail runways, commando net construction, fence building or loan of Christmas tree with lights. Forces youth teams such as cadets, junior leaders, ATC etc can be invaluable.
WOMEN'S GROUPS WOMEN'S AID
A London based group set up in Chiswick to specifically act as a shelter and support refuge for battered wives, those being physically or mentally abused by their partners.
WOMEN'S ACTION GROUPS
The local groups of feminist organisations can also highlight local needs. Although concentrating on the role of women in society through discussions of womens rights, some interesting information affecting individuals generally including single parent families is often discovered. It is important that play workers keep up to date on civil rights of all members of the community. Local women's groups also draw attention to such issues as lack of nursery provision or Childcare facilities that are generally available. They could possibly provide local volunteers interested in forming additional pre-school play facilities, 1 oclock clubs or mothers and toddlers groups.
WOMEN'S ROYAL VOLUNTARY SERVICE
The local branch may be interested in providing a mobile canteen for children during busy school holiday periods and consider voluntary involvement in play projects. RELATE
MARRIAGE GUIDANCE COUNCIL http://www.relate.org.uk/home/index.html
They provide advice, counselling and help or information on problems particularly relating to breakdowns of relationships, with partners or married partners. There have been particular instances where play workers have contributed positively through contact with families and by referring them to such an organisation.
FAMILY SERVICE UNITS
Operate through National Council for Social Services well known for their neighbourhood work nationally.
SENIOR CITIZENS GROUPS AND SOCIETIES
The play workers can often uncover local needs of this group, which may be met by the play projects youths by consulting the local Association. Such service needs as providing firewood service, shopping, visits, organising day trips or parties and supper evenings etc. Senior citizens may wish to become involved in voluntary activities on the play project or talks on local history or hobbies.
Specifically concerned with welfare of the elderly, provide centres, luncheon clubs, advice shops, charity shops, activities, welfare support, events in parks including swing boats for children.
HELP THE AGED
Charitable organisation concerned with the welfare of the elderly.
DISABILITY ORGANISATIONS Spina Bifida HAPA Local branches of national societys can offer advice and support concerning disabled children, access, and the specific problems of the disabled, as well as social integration. They could well become involved in a suitable play project. They could welcome a visit and talk on disabled access to play facilities and consider social projects on the play project. A vast variety of these organisations are around, details are available from the local libraries, social services or yellow pages. The national play organisation to contact is The Handicapped Adventure Play Association. http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/index.htm
COUNCILS FOR SPORTS AND ARTS
Sports Funding Local sports and arts associations provide a vast wealth of information, specialist knowledge on local resources and activities and have numerous contacts that can offer specialist skills in sports, recreation and the arts including training.
COUNCILS FOR SOCIAL SERVICES AND COMMUNITY COUNCILS
These are both voluntary bodies with an inter- disciplinary approach and financial resources. They constitute a very good source of useful local contacts and support.
NATIONAL TRUST http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/
A very useful contact for preparations for day excursions at reduced rated to their many gardens, houses and nature walks etc.
THE RED CROSS AND ST JOHNS AMBULANCE BRIGADE
St Johns Ambulance Provides information and training in first aid and will provide a local first aider for specific events such as a community bonfire and fireworks display. R.S.P.C.A Will often judge pet shows and provide certificates and will give advice about the upkeep of pets generally. N.S.P.C.C They will be very interested in children's play and associated activities for young people.
THE FORESTRY COMMISSION
This organisation is often a useful contact for timber for structures or playground fencing.
THE CONSERVATION SOCIETY http://www.heathland-conservation-society.org/
This is a useful contact on all matters of conservation and environmental issues.
SCOUTS ASSOCIATIONS, ADVENTURE SCOUTS, GUIDES, BROWNIES, RANGERS and SEA SCOUTS. http://www.heathland-conservation-society.org/
Boys Brigade These children's groups and organisations may be very useful with expertise and possible voluntary assistance or with specific projects or participate with play projects. They may have contacts for commando nets, aerial runway equipment and handcarts. They all are very good with barbecue type events on site.
LOCAL CHARITABLE BODIES AND TRUSTS
Charities Commission The play project could well obtain a sympathetic response from the local body, charity or trust, for specific activity. LOCAL PRESS & MEDIA For publicity of project, or event on site, they are always useful to gain friendship of a local reporter or local radio commentator. They can be invaluable in gaining local support and in fund raising issues. LOCAL DJ For musical evenings, discos etc, often at a reduced rate for regular events.
RIDING SCHOOLS The local riding school, horse stable or donkey sanctuary is a useful place both to visit and to perhaps encourage to the project for specific days.
COMMERCIAL PROVISIONS
These can be a very useful resource for day outings often at reduced party rates. These include Cinema, Leisure Centres, Skating Rinks, Fairgrounds, Circuses, Zoos, Theme parks, Holiday camps, Entertainment centres, Amusements parks, Theatres and similar.
CHURCH ORGANISATIONS
All sectors of the local community should be encouraged to use the play facility including all such groups. Members of the local church, such as the church leader or administrator, who often knows the local children extremely well and could be a useful contact.
LOCAL INDUSTRY
A useful source of play materials either donations or at a reduced rate. Paper and card or art companies, Bakeries for bread and cakes for children's tea parties, Soft drink companies or similar.
H.M.FORCES
Royal British Legion Army camps, training centres, Marines or similar can be approached for rope, commando nets and runways, as well as possible voluntary construction.
LOCAL SHOPS
Try for donations of prizes on special play days or parties or sweets, rolls, cakes, soft drinks, crisps, fruit, dolls, toys or similar. Also displaying posters advertising play events, sell of raffle tickets, draws and similar support.
RAISING FUNDS FOR CHILDS PLAY http://www.ncb.org.uk/dotpdf/open_access_2/factsheet_funding_cpis_20080128.pdf
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