A wildlife charity working with young people has secured a grant from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s People Power Fund to hold Wildplay sessions in the parks across Stoke-on-Trent.
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust has used funds to host sessions aimed at keeping children active during the school holidays while helping them to become good citizens and encouraging them to take more social responsibility.
The Wildplay sessions include activities such as den building, pond dipping, fire lighting, tree climbing and obstacle courses.
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust has been awarded £2,990 to hold the Wildplay sessions during the school holidays.
Police and Crime Commissioner for Staffordshire, Matthew Ellis, said:
‘The best ideas to reduce crime, social harm and anti-social behaviour often come from communities affected by those issues. That’s why, since 2013 I’ve increased the funding provided for simple things that make local areas safer and better to live in.
‘Tackling the issues, building community spirit and often reducing repeat demand on policing means providing that financial help at the most local level is really cost effective.
‘Activities like Wildplay help to prevent anti-social behaviour and allow youngsters to experience the outdoors and appreciate nature and their green spaces. Staffordshire Wildlife Trust are doing a brilliant job of engaging with youngsters at an early age, encouraging them to have fun and keep active, but most importantly, helping them to become good, socially responsible citizens.’
Alison Cross, Education Officer at Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, added:
‘The funding we received is enabling us to provide free activities during the holidays and allowing us to engage with children to teach them how to care for the environment.
‘Wildplay is so important, as it encourages children to engage and explore nature through a series of fun activities. It also develops their team work skills and improves community communication.”
