WSCF selected to help shape Free to Play UK

Wiltshire & Swindon Community Foundation has been selected as one of just 20 community foundations across the UK to help shape Free to Play UK – a new five-year initiative that aims to give more children aged 0–12 regular opportunities to play outdoors.

The announcement coincides with Playday, the national day for play, which this year celebrates the theme Play here, there and everywhere.

Coordinated by UK Community Foundations in partnership with Play England, Free to Play UK brings together community foundations from across the UK to improve children's access to outdoor play. The programme recognises the important role play has in children's health, wellbeing and development, with a particular emphasis on risky, adventurous and unstructured play. Through age-appropriate challenge, children build confidence, resilience, independence and problem-solving skills while learning to assess and manage risk in safe, supportive environments.

Over the next five years, the programme will support community foundations to work with local organisations, communities and partners to remove barriers to outdoor play, widen access for children who face the greatest barriers, and build a stronger, more sustainable play sector. Alongside funding, it will also encourage organisations to share learning, strengthen partnerships and build lasting local capacity.

Wiltshire and Swindon already have many organisations creating opportunities for children to enjoy the outdoors, from community groups and family hubs to organisations promoting physical activity, nature connection and outdoor learning. Free to Play UK provides an opportunity to build on these existing strengths by bringing people together, sharing knowledge and exploring how more children and families can benefit from regular outdoor play.

As one of the selected community foundations, we will now join a national learning programme alongside UK Community Foundations, Play England and local partners to better understand the outdoor play landscape across Wiltshire and Swindon. This work will help inform a local programme that reflects the needs of children, families and communities, builds on existing provision and identifies where additional support could have the greatest impact.

Vicky Hickey, Joint Chief Executive of Wiltshire & Swindon Community Foundation, said: "Play is a fundamental part of childhood. It helps children develop confidence, resilience and independence, supports their physical and mental wellbeing, and encourages creativity, curiosity and connection with the world around them.

"We're delighted to have been selected as one of just 20 community foundations helping to shape Free to Play UK. This is an opportunity to listen, learn and work alongside organisations and communities across Wiltshire and Swindon, building on the fantastic work already taking place and helping more children experience the many benefits of outdoor play.

"As a community foundation, one of our strengths is bringing people together around shared ambitions. Over the coming months, we'll be listening to local organisations, partners and communities to understand what's already working well, where the barriers are, and how together we can help create more opportunities for children to play, explore and thrive."

The programme is currently in its development phase and is not yet open for applications. We'll share further updates as the programme progresses and let you know when there are opportunities to get involved.

Read more about this initiative on UKCF's website, here.