History
Why are we here?
As an organisation we are passionate about play. We believe it is an essential part of every child’s life, vital to their overall development, and a fundamental human right. Our staff team are dedicated to promoting, supporting and increasing play opportunities for all children in Tower Hamlets.
Tower Hamlets is one of the most deprived London boroughs with the third highest population density in London. We have an estimated 54,904 children and young people aged 0-18, many living in overcrowded conditions, with little or no access to gardens or appropriate outdoor space. The combination of those factors coupled with parental fears of stranger danger, children’s fears of bullying, lack of places to go and lack of resources has led to decreased opportunities to play and contributed to the disproportionate levels of ill health in Tower Hamlets’ children. The need to promote and support play providers and ensure all children in Tower Hamlets have access to a wide range of high quality play opportunities and spaces is crucial.
How did we get here?
In 2001, a small group of individuals involved in the play sector across the borough agreed the need to establish a Play Association and contacted London Play, a regional support organisation, and with their expertise and support and local enthusiasm PATH was set-up. Initial funding was secured through the Children’s Fund, which including running costs and the posts of Director and Information worker. Additional funding was secured through a joint bid with Barnardoes to run a £800,000 programme of play projects, also funded by the Tower Hamlets Children’s Fund.
PATH has developed quickly as a successful and dynamic umbrella organisation, thanks to a strong Management Committee and staff with wide experience of the play world and capacity building in the voluntary sector.
There has been real progress towards our aim of giving children increased play opportunities in the borough. PATH has been responsive to new initiatives and has built a solid reputation for effective delivery. As with all small voluntary sector organisations PATH grows and shrinks with current funding initiatives. Please look at our latest newsletter and news section for our current status.