NEWHAVEN CHILDREN CELEBRATE NATIONAL PLAY DAY 2009
Date:
August 2009
Community encourages everyone to make time for play!
Children in Newhaven enjoyed a free, fun-filled day in August as part of a national scheme to encourage young people to get out and play.
Local charity, N.I.P.P.E.R.S (Newhaven Integrated Play Project Educational and Recreational Services), which hosted the event at Fort Road Recreation Ground, saw more than 300 youngsters, volunteers and local businesses mark the 22nd National Playday, which carried the theme ‘Make time!’ to encourage everyone to make time for play.
The youngsters, aged between 8-16 years old, had the chance to experience a driving simulator, brought along by RED Driving School, search for hidden treasure in a giant sandpit courtesy of Lewes District Council, learn circus skills with Circus Allstars and practice Karate.
Pam Perry, chairwoman of N.I.P.P.E.R.S, said: “We hold the Play Day event each summer for children in Newhaven to come along and celebrate this national day on a local level. It is also an opportunity for local organisations, the district and the county to show the local community what they can offer the children.”
As part of the Lewes District Play Partnership Strategy, N.I.P.P.E.R.S also holds regular ‘Playout’ days during the long summer break, which encourages children and young people back into public play spaces, such as parks.
In addition, the charity coordinates after-school clubs, summer holiday clubs and provisions for school inset days, through the support of local people and businesses donating their time or equipment free of charge.
N.I.P.P.E.R.S, which celebrates its 36th anniversary this year, relies heavily on donations and is grateful for those made so far, including a portable TV/video unit from RED Driving School, furniture from parents and a play boat from a local mariner.
The charity provides a service that many parents could not be without, as local mum and N.I.P.P.E.R.S committee member, Helen Smith, explains.
She said: “I have been involved with N.I.P.P.E.R.S for many years now. As a single mother of two with a full-time job, the play schemes are a lifeline! I feel very lucky to have N.I.P.P.E.R.S to rely on as I know it’s a safe environment for my girls and the children really enjoy themselves too."
If you or your organisation is interested in getting involved with N.I.P.P.E.R.S, please contact Debbie Forrest on 01273 514440 or email nip.shak@fsmail.net.