Celebrating 16yrs of Playing Out!

Do you share our aim for ALL children to be free to play out where they live? To be healthy, happy and have a sense of belonging in their communities? Join us at Bristol City Hall for this in-person only event: a lively and inspiring day of discussion, networking and change-making!

Playing Out began 16 years ago when parents in Bristol, frustrated at the huge loss of freedom for children, decided to take action. Since then a grassroots movement has grown across the UK and beyond, bringing communities together, directly benefitting tens of thousands of children, shifting thinking and agitating for change in the halls of power.

Playing Out CIC will close its doors at the end of March, but it is by no means the end for this incredible far-reaching movement.

On 12th March, we will come together to:

• celebrate the difference this movement has made so far
• hear and learn from many of the people involved
• think big and plan ahead for restoring children's freedom
• build relationships and foster a sense of hope

We will have contributions from across the movement; community activists, parents, councils, housing providers, voluntary and campaigning organisations, policy-makers, thinkers, writers, artists, researchers, play people... This will NOT be a boring conference.

Contributors confirmed so far...

Tim Gill - Independent researcher, writer and consultant

Dinah Bornat - Architect specialising in child-friendly housing design

Alice Ferguson and Ingrid Skeels - Playing Out co-founders and directors

Community activists and organisations based in Blackpool, Hartlepool and `Swindon.

There will also be plenty of opportunity for questions, discussion and networking over teas and coffees. And lunch, of course!

We want everyone to be able to come - this is at the heart of what Playing Out is about - so we are offering some bursaries for community activists who needs help with travel costs (see FAQs) and there are also two ticket options: Free (for anyone for whom cost would be a barrier) or £50 to help us cover costs/lunch (for organisations, academics and anyone who can afford to pay). We are a tiny organisation with very limited budget so if you can pay, it will really help us out and help others to be able to come for free.

More details will follow in the weeks to come.

For now, please sign up, book your travel and put it in your diary.

With huge thanks to Bristol City Council for co-hosting, providing a really wonderful space - and for all their pioneering support for play streets over 16 years.