YMCA scheme will offer free fun in the park for children

A £50,000 windfall will help children get back to the basics of play in the great outdoors.

The Renfrew branch of the YMCA has secured the hefty sum from the Big Lottery Fund to launch its new project.

The funding will be used to hire play rangers, who will work with kids to encourage them to play freely and explore in their local parks and open spaces.

The free play sessions will run in all weathers, so the youngsters can get the most out of the Scottish climate.

The YMCA has been speaking to Renfrew primary schools and the local authority, which are excited to see the scheme launch, said project leader Samantha Gillan.

“This project is so exciting as we are taking things back to basics by getting children playing outdoors,” she said.

“When we have spoken to parents, they have said one of the biggest barriers to children playing outside is safety.

“We will be providing three play rangers, plus volunteers per session, to give parents confidence.

“We hope this project will encourage children to use their imagination, to assess their own risks and allow them to be able to play creatively.

“This will be such a fun project to launch and we are excited to get to meet lots more children.”

The project will also employ four new rangers in total and they will undertake an SVQ in play work or youth work.

It will run five days a week in five different areas of Renfrew for the next two years.

Its is hoped 1,200 children and young people will be involved over that time.

Renfrew MSP Derek Mackay welcomed the news.

He said: “The recent announcement of this award from the Big Lottery Fund is fantastic news, and I would like to congratulate the group on securing this much sought after funding.”

“Boosting the health and confidence of our young people is of utmost importance, and it’s great to see a local group actively pursuing this within the community.

“These free play sessions after school and during school holidays will give children more opportunities to take part in extracurricular activities, which I know will go a long way to helping benefit both young people and parents in the community.

“The Big Lottery Fund has helped to fund range of different programmes and projects across the country with the aim of aiding community groups and charitable projects.

“I would encourage all local groups who think that they fit the criteria to apply for funding and hope that people the length and breadth of Renfrewshire will take advantage of it.”

The grant comes from the lottery’s Young Start programme, which distributes money from dormant bank accounts. It aims to create opportunities for children and young people aged between eight and 24 to help realise their potential.

Organisations can apply for a total Young Start grant of between £10,000 and £50,000 and for up to two years’ funding.

Groups can get more information on the different kinds of funding available and download application forms at www. biglotteryfund.org.uk/funding