The Scottish Government has announced that more than 30 charities providing local outdoor play initiatives for children will receive a share of £550,000 to expand their projects in 2023. Around 14,000 children living in deprived areas will have access to more outdoor play opportunities in their local communities.

The Outdoor Community Play Fund will support children and families through the year, including during the school holidays.

Children’s Minister Natalie Don said

“Outdoor play has an incredibly positive impact on our children’s mental health, wellbeing and confidence. It can teach them how to solve problems, assess risks, boost their physical activity and provide opportunities to meet and interact with others.

However, options for children to play safely outdoors can be limited, especially for children in deprived areas. At a time when families are struggling with the cost of living crisis, it is even more essential that we provide this vital support to ensure there are outdoor play options available, free of charge, for families across Scotland."

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