In 2007 Hackney Play Association launched a new BME (Black and Minority Ethnic) play development project funded by the Big Lottery. HPA then launched the BME Play Development network on the 11th June 2007, inviting BME groups working with children and young people to come together to discuss individual and collective needs. By creating a network of BME groups delivering services for children and young people, HPA has started to address the inequalities that exist for BME groups within play and play work.
For example, the sharp contrast between Population trends of BME communities versus those in the community that access play provision. This is also the case for adult BME recruitment, retention, training and promotion of opportunities, particularly at senior and executive levels. There is difficulty with some BME groups accessing play without members of their community being trained as play workers or in play work.
The BME project conducted a consultation exercise with voluntary and community sector groups to address their needs. It was expressed that training in play would be largely beneficial for those who have little or no experience or knowledge in this profession. To meet this gap the project developed and ran a New Communities training program for the training of adults in play and play work. This is a 'Skills Active' endorsed 'Foundation to Play work' course which will run for thirteen weeks; delivered on a one day a week basis and open to 16 BME groups wanting to work in a play setting. These groups will include Refugee and Asylum seekers, faith groups and other BME groups that live or work in the borough of Hackney.
The project to date has supported various groups to date and has directly contributed to projects including: Windus Streets for people, Play Day, and September's One Love Hackney Peace Week. It has also contributed to play projects in Hackney through funding support. The project welcomes the opportunity to work with BME groups and current play providers to develop play projects in Hackney for children and young people. We want to support new and established groups to encourage participation and improve access to play provision by black and ethnic minority children. We would encourage all play providers we support to have statistics of BME groups that do and do not access their sites. It has been proven that this practice:
- Improves inclusive play,
- Develops funding opportunities,
- Gives projects a wider user base
- Can help establish and promote community led schemes.
Some of the areas the BME project can help play sites with include:
- Consultation with groups from diverse communities
- Establish quality in provision
- Identify your needs for training and capacity building
- Offer information, advice and support
- Develop any fundraising partnerships
For further information on the BME project Worker Jamie Seaden
Email: jamie.seaden@hackneyplay.org