PARTNERSHIP WORKING

Get partners involved early. Developing contacts with partnership organisations will give you access to more resources and further contacts.

 

These top tips were devised by Playday event organisers for Playday event organisers at the 2009 Playday seminars.


WORK WITH:

Library services - source materials from toy libraries and sports libraries, and use your main library to promote your event.

Local Council for Voluntary Service – they develop and support voluntary activity in the area

Media including the press, radio and online.

People responsible for the public realm, such as your local authority and local planners.

Park rangers – they may be able to help at your event and promote their service at the same time, day-to-day they can also promote Playday.

Schools and extended services – invite them to your event, and use them for consultation with children and young people.

Sports and leisure centres.

Statutory organisations such as children’s centres, Primary Care Trusts, schools, housing associations, health, police and town and parish councils.

The local play partnership – you should be able to contact these through your local authority.

Transport – think about transport links to your Playday event and other places to play, especially if you live in a rural community.

Voluntary sector organisations such as the Cadets, Brownies, Guides and play organisations.

Your local tourist board and attractions such as museums and youth theatres.

Youth councils, schools and volunteer centres.

 


WORK EFFECTIVELY BY:

Being willing to meet other partners halfway.

Communicating clearly– make sure everyone knows what their role is.

Ensuring the right partners are involved and have the authority to approve decisions.

Getting all partners involved in promoting your event and campaign to make sure the messages are wide-reaching.

Working in partnership with your local authority, to get permissions and resources, such as funding, for example.

Recognising shared and individual agendas to achieve common goals.

Knowing your local area and forging good relationships with local organisations and groups.

Linking with others celebrating Playday in your area, to avoid duplication.

Making meetings relevant and regular.

Setting actions and ensuring all partnership members have a role to play – create sub-groups and leads to give a sense of ownership.

Spreading the word – cascade your messages through different partners.


For more information on working in partnership, go to the Working in partnership with your community section of the Get organised! guide.

Although a huge amount of ideas were generated through the seminars, we know there’s still a wealth of information out there! Add your top tips to these pages to support other Playday events across the UK. To add your ideas, post them on the Playday forum or contact us directly.

More top tips