All profits from the sale of Play 52 will go to London Play, the charity working hard to make disadvantaged London childhoods better and brighter.

London Play is a small charity that strives to get children in London playing out more often. It promotes children’s right to play, campaigns for more and improved out-of-school play services, and supports play providers in the capital. The charity also directly provides play opportunities for children by supporting groups to develop play streets, building nature play areas and running events.

Launched in October 2020, Play 52 is a unique set of playing cards available in a variety of themes, with all profits used to bring more play into the lives of disadvantaged children. Each of the beautifully rendered cards features a unique playful idea or game. The four suits in each pack represent different scenarios, so whatever situation families may find themselves in – stuck in traffic, in the wilds or on a snowy hill – they are sure to find a game to suit (pun intended).

The cards are available via the London Play website or at London Play’s Etsy shop, but the charity is particularly interested in hearing from retail stockists, in order to maximise the profits going to disadvantaged children.

Each card provides a starting point for fun, and parents and grandparents will recognise the hallmarks of their own childhood pursuits; many of the activities are big on imagination and experimentation, with no screens. Games include one where kids imagine they have a remote control for their gran or little brother; in another they become blindfolded make-up artistes. Some games can even be played over the phone or on a video call with distant family and friends.

Devised by play creators at the charity London Play, Play 52 is endorsed not only by the Worshipful Company of the Makers of Playing Cards, but also by children. Tested on over 2,000 play-starved kids stuck at home during the Covid-19 lockdown, Play 52 was given a unanimous ‘thumbs up’, and parents have been quick to sing the praises of the cards too.

The cards are available in two versions: the original Play 52 and a winter-themed pack with games for chilly days and cosy nights. Retailing at £4.99 a pack, Play 52 will not only bring fun and laughter to the purchasing household, but also to children living in difficult circumstances.

Interested parties should contact Catherine Togut via catherine@londonplay.org.uk.

Two more versions of Play 52 are set to be launched in the coming months. The London Icons Play 52 will celebrate the capital’s landmarks and luminaries, and a special pack for the under 5s is being designed in collaboration with the innovative Chickenshed theatre company.

For more information about the charity, visit www.londonplay.org.uk.