Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Community activists behave like children
On Monday, 13th March, eleven community activists were behaving like children, when they attended a ‘Let’s All Play’ workshop. It was all organised as part of the HAPI programme at All Saints Community Centre, New Cross Road. And all attendees had a thoroughly good time!
The workshop was about raising awareness of disability and promoting inclusive play for disabled and special needs children. The day started as it continued ~ with lots of children’s games, which were used to identify how and where exclusion can occur and how activities can be readily adapted to promote inclusiveness.
Many of the activities developed into hilarious episodes with large elements of boisterousness, much laughter and a lot of learning. What was particularly useful was that it was recognised by many of those attending that the skills gained during the day were applicable in all sorts of everyday situations where professionals need to promote inclusiveness and engagement.
At a more serious level, attendees gained entry level training for play and out of school workers, which is certificated. In between the fun and games, the group developed definitions of disability and identified the barriers to social inclusion. In addition, they also gained an overview of current legislation and play work values.
The training was delivered by Kay O’Brien, who was great. It was facilitated through the Pip (promoting inclusive play) programme from Kids Active (kidsactive.org.uk). Attendees came from a range of groups which work with local residents, including All Nations, Anyadwe, Contact A Family, LEMDA, Reconcilers Children’s Club, Somerville Adventure Playground and Tukes After School Club.
Incidentally, the trainer, Kay O’Brien, actually works for an organisation called Oyster Training. Oyster also deliver training on team work (including team building, conflict resolution, and managing change), family support and positive parenting, as well as disability and inclusive play awareness. The Oyster website can be found at www.oystertraining.co.uk.
Question: How do you get community activists to behave like children?
Answer: Get them to attend a workshop organised by Steve McGann
On Monday, 13th March, eleven community activists were behaving like children, when they attended a ‘Let’s All Play’ workshop. It was all organised as part of the HAPI programme at All Saints Community Centre, New Cross Road. And all attendees had a thoroughly good time!
The workshop was about raising awareness of disability and promoting inclusive play for disabled and special needs children. The day started as it continued ~ with lots of children’s games, which were used to identify how and where exclusion can occur and how activities can be readily adapted to promote inclusiveness.
Many of the activities developed into hilarious episodes with large elements of boisterousness, much laughter and a lot of learning. What was particularly useful was that it was recognised by many of those attending that the skills gained during the day were applicable in all sorts of everyday situations where professionals need to promote inclusiveness and engagement.
At a more serious level, attendees gained entry level training for play and out of school workers, which is certificated. In between the fun and games, the group developed definitions of disability and identified the barriers to social inclusion. In addition, they also gained an overview of current legislation and play work values.
The training was delivered by Kay O’Brien, who was great. It was facilitated through the Pip (promoting inclusive play) programme from Kids Active (kidsactive.org.uk). Attendees came from a range of groups which work with local residents, including All Nations, Anyadwe, Contact A Family, LEMDA, Reconcilers Children’s Club, Somerville Adventure Playground and Tukes After School Club.
Incidentally, the trainer, Kay O’Brien, actually works for an organisation called Oyster Training. Oyster also deliver training on team work (including team building, conflict resolution, and managing change), family support and positive parenting, as well as disability and inclusive play awareness. The Oyster website can be found at www.oystertraining.co.uk.
Question: How do you get community activists to behave like children?
Answer: Get them to attend a workshop organised by Steve McGann
# posted by Donnie Gall @ 5:04 pm 
