Bluecoat, The Inclusion Network and Liverpool North Central Methodist Church are among a number of organisations taking part in the Positive About Play initiative

A collective of voluntary organisations is providing 54 playschemes across Liverpool during the Easter break welcoming more than 2,000 children a day.

Bluecoat, The Inclusion Network and Liverpool North Central Methodist Church are among a number of organisations taking part in the Positive About Play initiative in an operation coordinated by Liverpool Play Partnership.

The Play Partnership was established in 2012, in response to reductions in Government funding and a lack of budget for local play schemes. Led by LCVS (Liverpool Charity and Voluntary Services) and Merseyside Play Action Council (MPAC), the partnership has ensured a cost-effective, collaborative approach to playscheme delivery, city-wide, for the past six years.

It has been supported by the John Moores Foundation, the Youth and Play Service, the Mayor’s Hardship Fund and the Community Fund for Merseyside and Lancashire, amongst others.

The playschemes meet vital needs for children from all communities throughout Liverpool, including some of the most deprived areas in the country. As well as sporting, craft and other activities, teams of staff and volunteers also provide meals and snacks every day, ensuring that children, including those who usually receive free school meals, are provided for during the break.

Throughout the 2018 summer holidays alone, Positive About Play clocked up 8,000 volunteer hours and served 48,000 meals and snacks.

Kevin McIntyre of MPAC said, “Huge numbers of staff and volunteers from non-profit organisations have got off to a great start this Easter holiday and 54 playschemes are currently in full swing.

“At MPAC, we’ve been hard at work since the last play schemes during the February school holiday, ensuring that the people who run these schemes have the funds, supplies and support they need to provide continuity of service.”