Further information

What is the Partnership for?

Following extensive consultation, we put together a five year Play Strategy in 2007. As part of developing the Strategy it was agreed to form a Play Partnership to bring together groups and organisations involved with play to work in partnership. The Partnership's aims include:

• Promoting the importance of play through education and training;
• working together to help improve play facilities and activities for children and young people throughout the district, and;
• advising and supporting us in delivering the three-year ‘Raising the Game’ project for which we successfully obtained £200,000 from the Big Lottery Fund.

What are the benefits of joining?

Working in partnership can achieve much more than by individual organisations working on their own. For example we would never have got the Lottery grant without showing we had the support from other organisations. It can also be of benefit to individual members. For example:

• Networking - it will provide the opportunity for members to share information about their plans and projects, successes and failures etc., so we can all learn from each other.
• Partnership working – as well as the overall partnership there may be opportunities for sub-groups to work together on local projects and topics of interest.
• Advice and support - as well as having the chance to draw on other members’ experiences, we are able to offer partners a range of support. For instance, we can provide help and advice on applying for funding for projects that will improve play facilities or activities. The Partnership can contribute to deciding how the Council's services and new projects being funded by the Lottery (such as the Play Rangers) can most effectively support play activities in their communities.

Who are the current members?

Membership is made up of a variety of organisations and groups. A number of parish councils are represented, charitable trusts, village halls, playing fields associations and church groups, and as well as ourselves there are also representatives from Norfolk County Council Children’s Services, Saffron Housing Trust and Norfolk Rural Community Council.

How often does it meet?

 The Partnership plans to meet quarterly.

What next?

If your organisation is interested in finding out more or in joining the Partnership, please contact the Play Project Officer at South Norfolk Council - contact details are at the foot of this page.