Parent Action for Safe Play - Celebrating 30 years of community impact

Parent Action for Safe Play (PASP) began as a grassroots campaign for change, established in 1996 by a group of determined parents concerned about the lack of safe play and leisure facilities in Coatbridge. They negotiated and built partnerships in order to turn a local derelict brownfield site in Kirkshaws, Coatbridge into a multi-purpose play area. Their efforts led to the opening of a community playpark in 1999 which went on to win National Playing Fields Scotland, Playground of the Year in 2000.

Growing greener

Building on this success, PASP expanded its services to open the Children and Youth Development Centre in 2006 creating a vital hub for activities, support and community engagement. 

In 2012, the organisation further extended its impact and commitment to the environment with the launch of the Growing Greener community garden to help reduce carbon emissions at a community level and support people to make more sustainable choices in everyday life. 

This initiative supports local people to lead healthier, more sustainable lives by delivering a programme of gardening, cooking, reducing food waste, composting, recycling and energy efficient activities. Angela Costello, PASP Finance Manager said:

At its heart, Growing Greener is about more than growing food - it’s about growing sustainability, wellbeing and community. 

Inclusive approach

PASP workshops, school visits and community programmes provide practical experience empowering people to take positive action for the environment. Working across the community garden, local primary schools and people’s own homes, individuals and families are supported to grow their own food from seed to harvest. 

Innovative elements include linking food growing directly with cooking and sustainability education to help participants understand the full journey from seed to plate. These workshops build confidence in the kitchen, support independent living and promote better understanding of nutrition, while creating valuable intergenerational learning opportunities. A young person involved said:

“I have always loved cooking, and this gives me an opportunity to do it without my mum looking over my shoulder all the time, I have met some really nice people who I feel I can open up to and who have supported me through some bad times.” 

A key strength has been an inclusive approach, ensuring activities are accessible to people of all ages and abilities. They bring people together from diverse backgrounds, including those with mental health support needs and minority ethnic communities. By creating welcoming shared spaces PASP supports participation from individuals who may otherwise face barriers to engagement. The project builds confidence, skills and stronger community connections.

Caring for the future

A longer-term aim is to establish the play area and surrounding garden as a smoke and vape-free space, promoting healthier behaviours and a safer cleaner environment.

The play area has increasing issues with litter, particularly single-use vapes creating environmental hazards. Impacting its safety and appeal for children and families. In response, they are developing a new initiative to engage young people in positive environmental action.

To mark their three decades of community action, the project has been delivering litter-picking sessions since January, culminating in a community clean-up day in April. This initiative will not only improve the appearance and safety of the play area but also raise awareness of the environmental impact of vaping waste among young people and the community. 

This next phase will build on their existing work by combining environmental improvement with education, encouraging community ownership and creating a safer, more welcoming space for future generations.

Celebrating 30 Years of Community Impact

As PASP celebrates this significant milestone it continues to build on its strong foundations to demonstrate the value of combining practical, hands-on learning with community engagement to achieve lasting impact. PASP is one of the many organisations that has received funding through the Tesco Funding programme supported in Scotland by greenspace scotland. Find out more about PASP through their website. 

Find out more about Tesco Stronger Starts funding and how our team of Community Enablers can support you to apply for projects that benefit children and young people on our webpage.