The Play is Never Cancelled campaign is a programme of home friendly, social activities to spark excitement and keep children busy during the pandemic.
Amongst all the cancellations and disappointments that have arisen due to lockdown restrictions, there is one thing that has been proven to provide escapism, fun based learning and social support for children across the country: play.
To celebrate the importance of play and provide support to families over the months ahead, The Entertainer has unveiled Play is Never Cancelled – a programme of home friendly, social activities to spark excitement and keep children busy whilst all is not normal.
The past twelve months have been tough for children, with research from Action for Children indicatiing that over a third of parents (36%) say that their children have felt isolated and lonely at times.
Studies from GOV.UK have also found that throughout the first lockdown and into the return to school, there was a lack of social connectedness, mainly for primary school children. Even after returning to school, some children have found it hard to reconnect with friendships groups.
On The Entertainer’s dedicated Play is Never Cancelled blog, adults will find an array of fun ideas for virtual play dates – including virtual quizzes, socially distanced scavenger hunts and Zoom art classes.
From virtual talent shows and book clubs on a Monday, to puppet shows and karaoke on a Friday, there are hours and hours of content to keep children busy and encourage the all-important interaction with the friends and family they are missing so dearly.
Gary Grant, founder and executive chairman of The Entertainer, said, “Play has always been a crucial part of children’s development, it’s how they learn. However, this past year has seen children miss out on a huge number of fundamental moments which aid their social learning and mental health. For that reason, it is more important than ever to celebrate play and encourage it wherever possible. We hope families will find something for every child to enjoy playing with at The Entertainer – because Play is Never Cancelled.”
The Staff at The Entertainer stores are eagerly awaiting welcoming everyone back safely from April 12th. The Play is Never Cancelled blog can be accessed here.
