Wandsworth’s Big Play Out: A Battersea Summer Scheme Success
Empowering children and families with a community event delivered by Enable in partnership with Wandsworth Council who teamed up with Battersea Summer Scheme and Smart Hospitality.
Wandsworth’s Big Play Out took place from Monday 24th July to Friday 28th July at Evolution London in Battersea Park. Enable, in partnership with Wandsworth Council have teamed up with Battersea Summer Scheme and Smart Hospitality to produce a vibrant week of free activities and entertainment to local families. This engaging event was crafted to cater to children aged 5 to 16 years old who live and are educated in Wandsworth.
The entire programme, including food, was totally free to all attendees and with a focus on supporting families during the Cost-of-Living Crisis during summer school holidays, with over 7000 visitors being served free hot meals throughout the week courtesy of Smart Hospitality.
The highly attended scheme invited families to enjoy a huge breadth of free activities with something suitable for every age. These activities ranged from: music workshops, dance & exercise classes, animal education, sports activities, radio workshops, a reading corner, movie sessions, food education workshops, inflatables and soft play, art classes and much more. Each workshop or class was presented by an organisation local to Wandsworth, as part of the strong links with community partners Enable and Wandsworth Council have curated. Through the Giving Back initiative, Enable orchestrated four music and visual art workshops at Wandsworth’s Big Play Out. The music-inspired artwork created by local children will be showcased during the Battersea Park in Concert weekend.
Overall, the week-long event was an astounding success, with many families excited for what’s to come in the following years. In attendance we had the Mayor Julianna Annan, Cllr Kemi Akinola, Cllr Sheila Boswell Chair; of the Children’s Committee, and Cllr Kate Stock. A massive thank you to them for coming down.
The event was deemed inclusive by 99% of the attendees, with 85% of those participants assigning the highest inclusivity rating from a post-event survey. Cllr Kate Stock, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, who was present at the event, commented:
“For families to connect and meet each other to share their own experiences and to not feel isolated and alone, particularly during the cost-of-living crisis is even more important. Generally, the opportunity for young people to connect and build those relationships can only bring a positive impact on children.”
All guests who attended Wandsworth’s Big Play Out expressed a positive rating for their experience, and among them, 94% awarded us the topmost rating, a post-event survey reported. A delighted parent also shared their satisfaction:
“I came to a similar event last year and I thought that was brilliant, but this was another level and even better! So well organised and the food was great.”
According to our survey findings, 72% of the children at Wandsworth’s Big Play Out engaged in activities they hadn’t tried before. Another local parent showcased a fresh interest for their son:
“My kids tried the boxing which they wouldn’t usually do, my son seems interested so maybe it’s something we carry on doing!”
One more than happy attendee expressed their gratitude:
“It was very good, an amazing experience which I have never had before. It was a great environment for me and my children.”
In collaboration with Battersea Summer Scheme, Enable had the delightful opportunity to partner with various members of our local community, including:
- Riverside Radio, who conducted engaging radio presenting workshops.
- Doddington Roof Gardens, who offered insightful gardening workshops.
- Live Karma Yoga, who led invigorating yoga sessions.
- Junction Elite, responsible for exciting football workshops.
- Surrey Cricket, contributing dynamic cricket sessions.
- Army Cadets, providing invaluable event support and recruitment prospects.
- Transport Police, imparting essential road traffic safety knowledge.
- Elays Network, who skilfully managed videography and video production.
- Carney’s Community, who provided action packed boxing sessions.
A huge thank you to everybody involved, who volunteered, hosted and of course attended!
Check out the highlights below.