Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground - this evening

[EDmummy]

Travelling on the bus past the Dog Kennnel Hill Adventure Playground this early evening I saw about 4 police cars and 1 or 2 ambulances. Genuinely interested in finding out what was going on and if everyone is OK.

[kateland]

A note to the local community: Incident on Friday the 6th of March on Champion Hill estate.

On Friday the 6th of March 2 local young people were assaulted on the Champion Hill estate. Following the assault they ran into the Dog kennel Hill Adventure Playground for help and the staff called the Police & the Ambulance.

We would like to clarify that this did not happen at the Adventure Playground.

The incident involved other young people who were not from this area. The local young people involved came to us afterwards as they feel safe, secure & protected here.

We administered first aid, closed the playground to keep them safe inside before they were taken to hospital.

The safety of all children and young people that attend the playground is our top priority at all times.

However, once the young people leave the site they are outside of our control and sometimes they do find themselves in difficult situations.

All staff are employed as play workers but view their role as so much more than this. We all care, love & are concerned for the well being of our young people and when incidents such as this arise it is deeply saddening for everyone.

We feel that this highlights even more the need for the Adventure Playground within the local community and are constantly looking at ways we can be more involved.

Below are some of the actions we are planning to put in place:

? A new purpose built building

? Outside gym facilities-not only open to the young people but all local residents at particular times. (Funding has already be secured on this)

? Creative workshops specifically working with the young women to empower them, increasing confidence, improving perceptions of their body image etc

? A youth night specifically for the older kids

We really appreciate & need support from local people & businesses (from doing a sponsored run, donating funds,doing a funding application, providing a workshop etc)if this is something you feel you want to be a part please contact Patrick or Kate on [email protected]

[tiddles]

How brilliant that they were able to run over to the adventure playground - a place where children feel safe, protected and free to be themselves.

Well done to you all and best of luck with all the plans.

[EDmummy]

Thanks for that very reassuring post. You guys do great things and I know the wonderful relationships you have with all the kids who go to the playground. Really pleased that you were there to help the boys and I hope they are doing well.

[dimples]

I love the adventure playground and both Patrick and Kate are amazing,

I really hope the two young people are ok now x

[kateland]

Thank you so much for all of your kind words they really mean so much.

Just to let you know both boys are fine.

Kate x

[Jacbuc]

glad to hear that the boys are fine - we get over to the play ground occasionally as we don't live locally but when we have visited our kids are always made welcome and enjoy themselves thoroughly. Looking forward to all your new plans taking shape kind regards

[ryedalema]

Really pleased that the kids knew that there would be a safe place to go and help available at the Adventure Playground. Our children love it there and the staff are amazing. DKHAP is a treasure for ED!

[Dog-Kennel-Hill A.P]

Thank you lovelies.We are always happy to hear feedback & look at areas we can improve, so hearing such awesome words puts a big smile on our faces.

Also wanted to say a massive thank you to those who do show us love and support and to the mummies that helped out & supported the staff team and the young boys on Friday. x