Highly Sprung’s Game On was a community-focused project designed to encourage children and young people to benefit from the joy of play and its physical and mental health benefits. The project’s central aim was to create safe, inclusive, and imaginative spaces that invited participation across age groups, breaking down financial and social barriers.
Collaborative Planning and Leadership
The project’s development was guided by a steering group, featuring representatives from organisations including Media Mania, Heart of England Rail Partnership, Young Minds, and Inini Initiative supporting mental health, alongside Rebecca Bollands from Earlsdon Primary School and three young local community members aged 13-17. The young steering group members played a vital role in shaping the event’s offer. The steering group met 9 times across the two delivery periods and worked collaboratively to create an atmosphere where the voices of young people guided the event’s design.
Highly Sprung’s Youth Advisory Board, also worked on helping to shape the design of the projects. Providing additional insights to shape the event.
In the Summer Game On took place in Cash’s Park
– Play Day: Focused on primary-aged children and their families, the event hosted activities such as giant board games, British Cycling workshops, face painting, Rugby sessions, and interactive sessions with partners including Coventry Libraries, Foleshill Creates, Young Minds, Mendi and Heart of England Rail Partnership. Visitors also explored the on-site fire engine, as well as having the opportunity to dance and engage with Highly Sprung’s costumed characters. Food stalls, including a pizza van, an ice cream truck, and Highly Sprung’s snack bags ensured that refreshments were accessible to all through the event.
–Game On: Aimed at teenagers, Game On offered similar but more age appropriate activity. Activities were designed to be dynamic activities while maintaining the project’s emphasis on play. Included at Game On were music workshops and an open mic stage run by Media Mania, which encouraged young participants to sing, play instruments, deliver monologues and spoken word. This provided a platform for young people to develop and showcase their talents.
Autumn Event
Held at Daimler Powerhouse, the Game On event was adapted to suit an indoor setting. Activities included- space dedicated to retro gaming consoles, a dance machine, and a DJ which took over the downstairs area of the powerhouse. Upstairs, stalls, face painting and activities for family based activities took centre stage. Performances by a local musical theatre group added an exciting cultural dimension, while the indoor venue ensured comfort and accessibility during more unpredictable weather.
“We were only meant to be here for an hour. I can’t believe how much has been on offer, and all for free. Thank you. This whole day has been brilliant. This city would be a much worse place without people like you offering me and my children opportunities like this in this incredible building.”
Game On was generously supported by WMCA’s Inclusive Communities Fund in partnership with Go Parks & @PositiveYouthUK.
Game On was the last in a series of Play Day events Highly Sprung has hosted in different communities over the last three years. Here’s a short film of the first Highly Sprung Play Day from 2023.
