Playing Out
Sessions usually take place on the first Friday of each month - check calendar for details
If the first Friday is terrible weather wise then Playing Out will take place on the second Friday.
What is Playing Out?
The reality is that most children have far less freedom to play out than their parents or grandparents had. Children are more likely to play inside or be driven to places to play. Playing Out aims to change that in order to improve exercise levels and build community cohesion. Very few Six Streets houses have more than a small garden so using the street brings extra space and new possibilities. Children can also socialise which improves communication skills and improves mental health. More reasons to have Playing Out sessions can be found on the national website
Watch the SIx Streets video!
Derby City Council support Playing Out sessions as part of their MoveMore programme. So they asked Six Streets to be part of one of their videos
How does it work?
Six Streets Playing Out sessions run from the spring through to autumn on the first Friday of the month for an hour after school. The aim is to allow children to safely and freely exercise and socialise close to home. In order to be safe, Six Streets obtains road closure permissions from the council and stewards the sessions. This means that residents and any visitors can continue to walk, cycle and drive along the street as normal while through traffic is diverted.
The children have access to a range of equipment provided by Six Streets which includes hoops, skipping ropes, pavement chalks and cones. They can also - on the understanding their responsible adults are responsible for these - bring scooters and bikes.
If the first Friday session is rained off then please come along on the second Friday of the month - check calendar for details
Who are these sessions for?
Obviously, Playing Out involves children and, because all children attending have to be supervised by a responsible adult, parents and carers are there too. But any resident is invited - these sessions are a lovely way of meeting your neighbours. Many residents who do not have children or whose children are definitely adults come along for a chat and catch up. Older residents have also volunteered for stewarding and providing refreshments.
Get Involved
Six Streets welcomes volunteers! It may be you can commit to steward a Playing Out session, can help with refreshments or help lead some activities on a more ad hoc basis e.g. take a turn on the end of a rope to encourage groups skipping. If you are a First Aider and are going to be at a session - please let us know!