Wandsworth’s Big Play Out took place from Monday 24th to Friday 28th July at Evolution London in Battersea Park. Enable, in partnership with Wandsworth Council teamed up with Battersea Summer Scheme and Smart Hospitality to produce a vibrant week of free activities and entertainment for local families.

The innovative new event The Big Play Out came to Battersea Park in conjunction with Smart Hospitality (Evolution) and Battersea Summer Scheme who welcomed a huge 7000 adults and children over the week and served up 7000 hot meals to them in that time! (courtesy of Smart Hospitality)
The entire programme, including food, was totally free to all attendees, made up of families with children age 5-16. The Big Play Out, made available to families in receipt of free school meals and in low-income households is just one part of Wandsworth’s mission of supporting young people and families during the Cost of Living Crisis and the school summer holiday when many children can experience a lack of activity and finances are stretched.

The highly attended, week-long programme invited children to enjoy a huge breadth of free activities with something suitable for every age; ranging from: music workshops, dance & exercise classes, animal educatLondon Postion, 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 delivered by an organisation local to Wandsworth, reflecting the network of strong community links Enable and Wandsworth Council have curated. Through its ongoing aim of Giving Back to its community, Enable orchestrated four music and visual art workshops whereby the music-inspired artwork created by local children was showcased during the inaugural Battersea Park in Concert weekend which took place over the August Bank Holiday Weekend.

Data gathered from the post-event survey shed light on its impressive impact; the Big Play Out introduced novel experiences to children, with 72% trying a completely new activity. The event’s inclusivity was also a standout feature, impressively recognized by 99% of guests. Equally heartening is the unanimous positive rating for the overall experience, with 94% expressing the highest level of satisfaction.

Overall, the week-long event was an astounding success, with many families and councillors alike excited for what’s to come in future years. In attendance were the Mayor Julianna Annan, Cllr Kemi Akinola, Cllr Sheila Boswell Chair; of the Children’s Committee, and Cllr Kate Stock. 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.”
99% of the attendees deemed the event inclusive, with 85% of those participants assigning the highest inclusivity rating from a post-event survey. All of the guests who attended Wandsworth’s Big Play Out expressed a positive rating for their experience, and among them, 94% awarded the topmost rating. 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.