Volunteers Needed for ParkPlay
Trafford Council hopes to bring ParkPlay – a fun, free, weekend event for families – to Greater Manchester for the first time at Longford Park.
ParkPlay, where families get together to have fun with specially brought-in equipment, kit and games once a week, is gaining popularity in the south of England.
Now Trafford Council wants to introduce the concept to Greater Manchester this summer as part of its commitment to encouraging people to lead healthy and active lifestyles and enjoy the outdoors.
Aims are to start a weekly two-hour ParkPlay at Longford Park in Stretford on Saturday mornings – but volunteer PlayLeaders will be needed to make this happen, and the Council wants to hear from any would-be helpers.
Volunteers will receive full training including first aid and safeguarding, and be part of a full team, so do not need to commit to taking part every week.
Cllr Eve Parker, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Leisure, Arts, Culture and Heritage, said: “We’d love to hear from anyone who wants to get involved. Being a PlayLeader will build your confidence, skills and give you a massive sense of community.
“Ongoing support is available to all PlayLeaders through the ParkPlay charity including support networks with other PlayLeaders. We plan to launch in Longford Park and hope to expand to other parks across Trafford.”
Roles and responsibilities include setting up and leading the games, building relationships with Park players, being welcoming and inclusive and scanning people’s passes.
If you would like to know more, and register your interest in attending an information session, please contact the Council’s sports and physical activity coordinators at: traffordmoving@trafford.gov.uk.
Trafford’s parks are maintained by the One Trafford Partnership. ParkPlay is a charity, supported by Sport England, that has helped launch 103 ParkPlay events across the country, with 20,000 registered participants in the last three years.
It aims to improve mental and physical health, connect people, provide training to increase confidence in delivery of volunteers and have a positive impact in communities.
