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June 2019 Putting the spotlight on the vibrant industry
API assists in major new study on play and children’s mental health
Sport England Time to invest in new technology
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The Association of Play Industries is one of a number of key organisations who will be working alongside Dr Helen Dodd from the University of Reading on the first large-scale study into how risky play affects children’s emotional well-being. A new £1.1m research grant provided by UK Research and Innovation and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy will enable Dr Dodd to understand what effect ‘adventurous play’ has on supporting children
to build emotional resilience and combat anxiety.
future mental health issues could be prevented.”
Dr Helen Dodd from the Anxiety and Depression in Young People (AnDY) Research Clinic at the University of Reading said: “We’re going to be researching whether children’s adventurous play can decrease levels of anxiety experienced by young people.
API Chair Mark Hardy, said: “As the number of children with mental health problems continues to rise, we’re pleased to be able to support this timely research.
“By looking to increase children’s opportunities for adventurous play, the quality of life for children could be improved and
“Outdoor play is essential for healthy physical and mental development and the role that adventurous play has in combatting anxiety will be of great interest to all those involved in children’s welfare.
Looking forward to Play Day 2019 Play England is working in partnership on Play Day, Wednesday 7 August 2019, with PlayBoard Northern Ireland, Play Scotland and Play Wales. This year’s theme is: Play Builds Children, which aims to highlight the many ways in which play is beneficial to children and young people. These include: • Play Builds Friendships – playing allows children to interact with others, develop relationships, deal with conflict, and learn respect and tolerance. • Play Builds Resilience – playing boosts children’s confidence, creativity, problem-solving skills and
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perseverance, enabling them to cope with stress and challenges throughout life. Play Builds Health and Well-being – being active through play helps children physically and emotionally, contributing to their health and happiness.
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Play Builds Communities – playing allows children to learn about the world around them, make connections, and develop a sense of identity and belonging.
Play England
“Children are now facing a compelling ‘pull’ to stay indoors from screens, with children choosing their laptops and mobile phones over outdoor play. At the same time, there is a crisis in play provision with the number of community playgrounds closing at an alarming rate. Screens are displacing play and, in many areas, children have nowhere to play.” Dr Dodd continued: “The project will be carried out in partnership with those who set play policy and design play
areas. I’m looking forward to meeting some of the API members and working towards every child having access to environments where they can develop emotional resilience.” Dr Helen Dodd is one of the first academics from a group of 42 researchers and business leaders selected for a UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) Future Leaders Fellowship to tackle pressing global challenges. API
Sutcliffe Play Creating the right fitness solutions
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Proludic launch new leisure brochure Play and sports equipment manufacturer and Installer Proludic has launched a new brochure focussed at the leisure market, further enhancing their work in this sector. Targeting organisations such as holiday parks, pubs, health clubs, shopping centres, zoos, hotels, museums and service stations – it aims to provide the reader with helpful inspirational case studies and product solutions that specifically target each subsector’s need. Proludic’s own research has shown that investing in and improving those leisure facilities – can further
help attract new families and ensure they not only repeat visit but also spend more money with you during their experience. Whether you want to refurbish existing play facilities or add something completely new – Proludic have a full range of services and products to suit your needs. The company offers a free design and quote service and are happy to come to your site and assess current requirements, offering best practice recommendations. Proludic
Wicksteed The importance of inclusive play
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