In 2001, a small group of individuals with a passion for play and a recognition of the need to increase play opportunities in Tower Hamlets got together to establish a voluntary-sector Play Association. Local enthusiasm and support from the council, together with the expertise of a London-wide support agency, led to the set-up of Play Association Tower Hamlets (PATH). Initial funding was secured through the Children’s Fund — a government initiative set up to tackle disadvantage among children and young people. The Children’s Fund helped provide a responsive approach to developing services that addresses the difficulties faced by some children and their families, encouraging voluntary organizations and community and faith groups to work in partnership with local statutory agencies, children, young people, and their families to deliver high-quality preventative services to meet the needs of communities.

PATH has developed quickly as a successful and dynamic umbrella organization, thanks to a strong management committee made up of six volunteers and a dedicated, highly skilled staff team of play professionals with experience of community development and capacity building in the voluntary sector.

Coordinating Work on Play

As a voluntary-sector organization, PATH has been able to attract additional funding for play from a range of sources, including charitable donations and regeneration funds. PATH campaigns for more and better opportunities and resources locally and has a key role in lobbying local political representatives. As a voluntary sector organization, we are part of a London-wide network of Play Associations (PAN London) whose wider remit is to campaign for play at regional and national levels.

PATH has the expertise needed to support both new and existing play providers and to enhance play provision through information dissemination, training, and resources.

Voluntary-sector organizations are often favored over the council at a local level for their hands-on, grassroots approach to the delivery of services to local communities. PATH has managed to maintain this proven approach and, at the same time, strengthen partnerships and raise the profile and importance of play at a strategic level with the council and, in particular, Children’s Services.