Naomi's story: "We need to encourage children to be healthy and active"

Naomi:

“The chance to play out on the street with friends, be active and have fun is something many adults took for granted as an everyday part of our childhood.  It was a way to get to know the streets around us, feel a sense of belonging to a neighbourhood and take small steps towards independence.  And without being conscious of it, we were all getting a healthy dose of fresh air and exercise.  Much of this experience is being lost for today’s children with serious consequences.  It is vital we help children feel they are a welcome and important part of the community they grow up in, as well as encouraging them to be healthy and active.

Playing Out began as a local grassroots initiative in Bristol to give children the chance to play freely and safely in the street.  Temporary road closures stewarded by neighbour volunteers ensure that the street space is opened up for children to play in their own way.  And the range and breadth of their play is inspiring to watch, with children skating, cycling, scooting, skipping, hopscotching and chalking as well as organising impromptu games and performances.  They have a chance to mix and make friends with children of different ages and adults too can spend time chatting and getting to know each other and through this opportunity a friendlier, safer neighbourhood can grow.

The idea of playing out regularly is catching on across the country with more people starting to organise this on their street and more local authorities supporting them to do so.  Find out more at http://playingout.net/