Spring Updates

Long time no update! Read on to hear what we've been up to in March and April.

In March, we facilitated 26 hours of play across 14 sessions, working with at least 32 children.

In April, we facilitated 37 hours of play across 16 sessions, working with at least 76 children.

Sports, Crafts & Changing Stories

In March we were delighted to welcome back our friends from Changing Stories, who, use the power of play, creativity and theatre to build positive human connections based on respect, joy and laughter. We've also explored lots of wonderful themes, including farm animals, things that fly, sports and space. We also spent some time doing spring based activities to welcome the new season!

Click the button below to read our Activities Reports in Full:

March
April

Advocacy Updates

These past months have seen the UK Government pursue their hostile 'Illegal Migration' Bill, tantamount to an asylum ban and with deeply concerning implications for the children and communities we work with. We were blown away by how many of you joined us in writing to MPs to call for a block to the bill - thank you for standing against these proposals! As the Bill heads into its second reading in the House of Lords, it's not too late to voice your opposition. Keep reading to find out how.

 

Simultaneously, hostile policy propositions in France continue to progress. These proposals seek to facilitate deportations, abolish access to vital healthcare services and restrict family reunification.

Whether you're in France, the UK or elsewhere, it's vital that we keep sending our policy makers the message - that we won't stand for more inhumane and ineffective hostile policies. Your voice matters:

Resources & Take Action Guides

We're updating this regularly for both people in the UK, France and elsewhere - so keep checking back! And if you come across useful resources, let us know - drop us an email on advocacy@project-play.org.

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In northern France, the situation remains harsh, violent and inhumane. In April, we observed an increased number of children expressing fear and anxiety at the prospect of crossing the channel. With the Government reducing access to safe routes, people seeking safety are being increasingly left with no other option but to undertake life threatening journeys in order to do so. No parent should be forced to put their child in a boat in search of safety.

 

Read our full updates from the ground at the link below (français disponible !)

Updates from the Ground

London Marathon Legend!

A huge THANK YOU and mega congratulations to the wonderful Alice, who conquered the London Marathon in April, raising funds for Project Play along the way. Thank you so much for your support!

We're on the look out for some wonderful people to join our team in the coming months:

 

Volunteer Playworkers - do you have experience working with children, are over 19, and passionate about every child's right to play? If you're able to commit at least two months to working with us in northern France, we'd love to hear from you. Click here to find out more:

Volunteer FAQs
Apply to Volunteer

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Safeguarding Coordinator - we're looking for someone with experience in youth work, social work or safeguarding to join us as a full time Safeguarding Coordinator. For full information and details on how to apply, click here:

Safeguarding Coordinator

Donate and Fundraise

 

We rely on donations to run our service, and any amount, no matter how big or small, makes a difference. If you're able to support us, please consider doing so.

 

Inspired by Alice's feat of endurance? If you fancy taking on a challenge in 2023, why not raise some funds for Project Play in the process? We'd love to support you with your fundraiser. Email fundraising@project-play.org.

Donate

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Engage

 

We advocate for children’s rights and strive to draw attention to the abuses taking place in northern France. Help us raise awareness by following us on social media, engaging with our partners at Calais Appeal, and sharing our posts.

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