Monday March 18th 2019
Attendees blowing out their candles wishing to light up the lives of disabled children in Midlothian through play.
The charity Play Midlothian has launched a new service to support play at home for disabled children across Midlothian.
The service, called Play for All, was launched at a candle-making craft event; also celebrating the charity’s new home in a larger office.
Susan McIntyre, Play Midlothian’s Managing Director, said,
“Through our consultations, we learned from communities about the barriers disabled children and their families face to accessing the benefits of play and how much a service like this is needed. We are over the moon we are able to launch Play for All and look forward to working in partnership with families to further develop the service.
“A huge thank you to the funders and supporters who have made it possible and to everyone who came to the launch and lit up our new office premises with their candles. We very much hope to light up lives with Play for All.”
The Play for All service takes play support direct to disabled children in Midlothian. A play specialist visits families at home or in their local parks to bring new play ideas, resources and activities. To connect with families, the charity is currently taking referrals from partners, but as the service develops families will be able to self-refer.
The candle-making launch event took place in the charity’s new home; the recently opened Gorebridge Beacon. The new larger office reflects the charity’s steadily expanding services since its founding in 1996.
On the evening of the candle-making event, light could be seen shining from the windows of The Beacon.
Councillors Andrew Hardie and Kieran Munro attended the event. Councillor Hardie said
“Play Midlothian ran a fantastic event which showcased the great work they do helping children through vital play skills. It is important that children can build valuable life skills as well as enjoy the mental health benefits of social interaction which can be developed through social play. They help both vulnerable youngsters as well as children who have difficulties with socialising to grow in confidence. I applaud the work the Play Midlothian do and look forward to supporting them in the future.”
Councillor Munro reflected
“When technology has almost taken over every aspect of our lives, Play Midlothian is keeping the spirit of playing and socialising alive without the reliance of tech. The education and confidence building is something I support and I will continue to support play Midlothian in future – thank you for hosting a fantastic event”
Play Midlothian works towards its goals in three main ways: providing enriching play opportunities directly to children; building family, community and professional capacity to support children’s play; and advocating for play and informing and influencing decision making.
Play Midlothian’s other services include holiday playschemes, weekend family play sessions for 0 to 3 year olds, and Out2Play which provides free, open-access play sessions for children in Woodburn, Gorebridge and Mayfield.
To find out more visit their website www.playmidlothian.org.uk
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