This Playday 2025 – the national day for play in the UK – we are proud to shine a light on the vital importance of play, adventure and safe spaces for children.
At our home, Lineham Farm, we welcome children from some of the most disadvantaged backgrounds in Leeds, many of whom face difficult home lives and have limited access to safe outdoor spaces. For them, our charity is more than just a place to stay – it’s a sanctuary. Here, children are given the chance to experience childhood as it should be; filled with fun, freedom, discovery and joy.
With an abundance of indoor and outdoor activities to take part in, there’s something for every interest and ability. Children are encouraged to try orienteering, bushcraft, climbing, archery, cycling, team games and experience nature. These hands-on, active experiences go far beyond entertainment – they focus on learning. They help children build confidence, form friendships and develop essential life skills. Learning is vital for children, as it forms the foundation of their intellectual, social, emotional and physical development.
Sharon Milner, our Chief Executive, said: “Play is powerful. It’s how children explore who they are, connect with others, and start to make sense of the world around them. Many of the children we work with don’t have the chance to play freely and safely. Here at Lineham Farm, we create a nurturing, fun-filled environment where children can be themselves, try new things and just be children. The impact is profound – and often lasting.”
Graham Jones, Relational Manager at Castleton Primary School, has been bringing children to Lineham Farm for over 20 years. He shared: “As a school, our outdoor provision and residentials at Lineham Farm are vital. More than 70 of our families live in flats without safe outdoor space. At Lineham Farm, children get to be children. They can just be themselves without having to put on a front. The power of play is huge and long-lasting – we have parents who still talk about their own experiences at Lineham Farm as children.”
The importance of play can’t be overstated. According to Playday, play improves children’s physical and mental health, supports creativity and learning, and helps build resilience. In challenging times, play is more important than ever to help children recover from stress and trauma.
It also plays a crucial role in helping children learn in a way that is engaging and memorable. Whether they’re solving problems during a scavenger hunt or cooperating during a team game, children are constantly building the foundations for lifelong learning.
And the impact doesn’t stop when the break at Lineham Farm ends. Teachers, social workers and community contacts consistently tell us about the difference they see in children after a stay at Lineham Farm, including better focus in school, more confidence, improved behaviour and a more positive outlook.
This Playday, help us give the gift of play, learning and adventure. Your support can make a life-changing difference for a child who might otherwise miss out on the joy, discovery and learning that play can bring.
Donate today and help us create more safe, happy and inspiring childhood experiences. Visit: www.leedschildrenscharity.org.uk/support-us/ways-to-give/
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Play on a budget: making every day a playday
While Lineham Farm offers a unique experience, we also encourage families to embrace play at home, especially on a budget. Here are some ideas inspired by Playday 2025:
- Nature scavenger hunts in local parks or gardens
- DIY obstacle courses in the living room, park or garden
- Art sessions using recycled materials (think kitchen roll tubes, washing up liquid bottles or old boxes!)
- Dancing to favourite songs in the kitchen
- Imaginative play like building forts with blankets and chairs
The key is giving children time and freedom to play, explore and be creative in a safe space.