Playwork in a pandemic… Part 1!
I have worked with young people outdoors for many years and I found out about Go Play Sandwell in 2020. I was excited to make
a difference to young people’s lives by enabling them to explore their world and build a sense of identity and co-operation with others through the joy of play. When I accepted the role, I bought some rugged trousers and a pouch waterproof jacket and couldn’t wait to take a deep breath of fresh air surrounded by smiles and laughter.
On my first day of work I was given a laptop and a phone and after some induction training, I was asked to work from home. Naturally, this was for everyone’s safety and indeed was following the government’s guidance. My colleagues were supportive, friendly, and available by phone and video call software for my many procedural queries. Nevertheless, this was a massive culture shock and I wasn’t really ready for how much adjustment this would take.
Staying physically and mentally healthy was something that previously happened by accident as a result of my work. Now I had to allocate a larger proportion of my free time to habitual physical exercise and mindfulness practices in order to keep myself in good working order. I felt a sort of ‘empty’ tiredness from looking at the screen instead of being ‘bodily’ tired at the end of a satisfying day of work.
However, I found a new satisfaction in the kind of work I was doing. I learned how to produce videos for social media, encouraging play and discovery. I produced play resources to keep
children occupied and curious at home. I delivered a token of kindness to families with the Activity Packs of play and craft items that Go Play puts together and most importantly, I helped make those smiles and laughter happen online, over the Zoom Group Play Sessions.
I am of course, still looking forward to play sessions in the park when I will be back in my natural habitat. Until then, I suppose we are adapting to a challenge together, which is something that unites us and makes us stronger
#pandemic #proudtoplayinsandwell #playmatters #letthemplay
Brook
Play coordinator - Groundwork West Midlands
