Armed forces community grant awarded to local play charity

A grant for over £130,000 has been awarded to a local play charity in Plymouth to provide year-round activities for children and young people from Forces families.

The Plymouth Armed Forces Community Covenant recently awarded £138, 769 to Stonehouse Playspace Association to hold free and fun activities at locations across the city for children and young people. They will be free for all families to enjoy but will be targeted at areas known to have a high number of Forces Families.

The funding means the Association can build on its existing programme of Play Ranger activities whilst developing a new Mobile Youth Challenge, including the exciting and challenging climb - the Infinity Tower.

The youth activities programme will launch at the HMS Heroes Friends and Family Fun day at the Royal Citadel on Saturday 3 August from 12.30pm. It has been funded by 29 Commando Royal Artillery with support from HMS Heroes National Volunteers and other local sponsors.

A programme of outreach Play Ranger activities and Family Fun Days in parks across the city will follow, together with centre-based family workshops and play activities in venues identified with partners.

The Mobile Challenge programme will run on four evenings per week during school term time and four days per week during school holidays in areas where young people are most in need of support.

Adrian Kemp, MBE, Chair of Trustees at Stonehouse Playspace Association said: “This was a great opportunity for young people from across the city to be part of a fantastic programme that gets them active and outdoors, whilst supporting our city’s Armed Forces heritage and culture.”

Councillor Chris Penberthy, on behalf of the Plymouth Community Covenant panel, said: “It’s fantastic that the Plymouth Armed Forces Community Covenant has been able to make this funding award to benefit, not only Forces families but all families in Plymouth. This won’t be a scheme that is hidden from view – it will be immediately apparent for all to see and enjoy when the new equipment and staff tour our parks and community centres. The free activities will encourage young people to get outdoors and active, and will help out parents by providing free family fun.”

For more information about this summer’s extensive programme across the city email play@stonehouseplayspace.org or visit the Play Rangers Facebook page at facebook.com/theplayrangers or call 01752 253345.