Still playing

I have been a Play Worker at Go Play Sandwell for 10 years, there have been a lot of changes, challenges and achievements in those years.

Not long after I started in 2012 the play service moved buildings (not far, in fact just next door) and I was tasked with starting up an Afterschool club and Holiday play scheme at the new centre.

This also involved being registered with Ofsted and completing two maybe three Ofsted inspections over the years.

As the years rolled on I trained as a Forest school leader and gained my PTLLS -Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector qualification. Both qualifications were interesting and informative. I have used both over the years providing forest school sessions in local woods and training others on the importance of Play which I am most passionate about).

Just before the pandemic started I qualified as a play therapist and during the pandemic I became involved with Social media, filming videos and Facebook lives, what a challenging time for us all. Recently I have had the opportunity to join and be part of the Holiday, Activity and Food (HAF) project team.

Holiday, activities and food, facilitated by Go Play Sandwell is a brilliant opportunity for children and young people to attend activities during the school holidays at Easter, summer and winter and works alongside Go Play activities so that families have more choice in how they spend their free time. Many sessions are free, some you need to pay for, and some will come with food depending upon the activity and a family’s situation.

The offer across Sandwell is fantastic, thanks to our HAF Providers. There really is something for everyone! From Canoeing, lifeguard training, starting a rock band to arts and craft, sports, dance, drama and loads more!

I am excited to be involved in such a great project, supporting our fabulous providers, some new to HAF this year and some involved in last year’s HAF. It’s been a pleasure to visit / monitor great settings, with great staff and meet great Sandwell children.

It’s fantastic to see free clubs be it sport, craft, cooking, games and most importantly play, happening right across Sandwell, in a variety of settings, church halls, gyms, schools, community centres and outdoor areas. All with an emphasis on physical activity big or small, healthy eating and food education.

I am Proud to be part of a small Go Play team and a much larger, wider service being a provider for Children of Sandwell.

Let’s keep playing!

Karen Greenfield

Proud Go Play Sandwell/HAF team member