Thank you

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to this magazine – we couldn’t do it without you.

This issue of Play for Wales, as well as previous issues, is available to download at www.playwales.org.uk the General Comment should contain, the importance of this opportunity felt exciting and daunting. Exciting because if the UN Committee published the General Comment, it would have the status of an almost legal document providing countries across the world with a set of actions for governments to take to ensure every child’s right to play. And daunting because if the UN Committee didn’t agree with our draft it would be an opportunity lost. In the end, such was the quality of the work taken forward by the IPA, the UN Committee published the General Comment and it is still held up as a good example in terms of working process and final product.

The extent to which the General Comment has driven government action varies across the world but here in Wales we have seen real progress. There is always so much still to achieve for children, which is why the Welsh Government took the welcome step of undertaking a Ministerial Review of Play. Given the challenging times for children as austerity continues to take it toll, the importance of emphasising their right to play remains a priority.

It’s quite a time to take over as Chairperson of Play Wales but I’m looking forward to contributing as best I can. Many of you will know Mike Shooter and the fabulous way he has chaired Play Wales over the last ten years. Mike has always advocated strongly for children’s play. It feels a little odd to be stepping into the role he has held for so long but I’m sure you will join me in thanking Mike and wishing him all the very best.

Play Wales has a great team of staff and a strong Board of Trustees. I’m looking forward to working with them and learning more about the work you do in bringing the right to play alive for children.