Posted on: Friday 27 September 2024
A new consultation to help shape the future of play opportunities across communities in Torfaen has been launched.
The Play Sufficiency Assessment is conducted by Torfaen Council every three years and evaluates the availability and quality of play and recreational opportunities for children and young people up to the age of 25.
It looks to gather feedback on staffed play provisions, infrastructure such as parks, play areas and open spaces, as well as early years, sports, youth and cultural activities.
It also considers factors such as time, space, and permission to play, aiming to identify and improve areas where play opportunities might be lacking.
Why participate in the consultation?
By taking part in the consultation you can voice your concerns, share insights on current play provisions and highlight areas needing improvement.
Your input will also help shape policies and initiatives that directly impact children’s play environments and ensure that children have access to safe, engaging, and diverse play opportunities.
Public feedback in previous consultations has led to the development of popular sessions such as family play, respite sessions and weekend play activities.
To have your say on play, visit the council’s Get Involved website here. The consultation will close at the end of January 2025.
Next steps
Feedback from the consultations will be used to develop an action plan, which will be submitted to the Welsh Government in June 2025. A summary of the full findings will also be made available on the council's website and on this Get Involved page in June next year.
Cllr Richard Clark, Torfaen Council Executive Member for Children, Families and Education, said: “I encourage all parents and carers to take part and make their voices heard. Your input is vital in ensuring that play and recreational opportunities are inclusive and meet the needs of your child."
“Feedback will directly influence the quality and accessibility of play and recreation in Torfaen, so together, let’s create a better play environment for our children.”
For more information about Play Services across Torfaen, contact Torfaen Play at torfaenplay@torfaen.gov.uk or call 01495 742951.