New film demonstrates the power of Porridge & Play
And it's back for 2023!
Monday 27th March
Thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund, Licketyspit’s Porridge & Play sessions will be back in 6 Glasgow communities and online for 2023/24.
Now in its 7th year, Big Porridge & Play Glasgow will take place in Govan, Maryhill, Whiteinch and online, as well as in Bridgeton, Castlemilk & Cranhill. The east end and Castlemilk groups were started last year as part of the Scottish Government’s New Scots Integration Strategy, and the Lottery have stepped up to fund their continuation.
Children and parents highlight the positive impact the sessions have on their confidence, mental health and wellbeing, relationships and sense of belonging, as well as children’s learning and development.
“When I come here I feel like you can be you and feel free and you can laugh.” 6 year old, Porridge & Play Castlemilk
Scroll down to watch the new film!
“First week we came they were very shy but now very good. We all really enjoy this. I have met new friends, our language is better because of this”
Mum of 7- and 4-year-olds, Porridge & Play Cranhill“Like nothing else we do. Great early drama/improvisation. Lots of imagination. Inclusive and child led!”
Mum of 4- and 2-year-olds, Porridge & Play Whiteinch“You won’t be alone here. I’ll be your friend”
7-year-old, Porridge & Play Cranhill“Don’t know where we’d be without this. No-ones judging, there’s lots of acceptance, feel like we’re being brought into the community.”
Parent, Porridge & Play RuchillWe are very grateful to our funder!
“We’re really thrilled to be able to continue providing Storyplay opportunities for families in these communities, where we have built relationships over several years.
“Porridge & Play brings out the best in our common humanity – the generosity and capacity of people to support and inspire one another, overcoming language barriers, celebrating each other’s ideas and putting children’s rights at the heart of inclusive communities.
“And then there are the stories! The collective creativity at Porridge & Play is something to behold. Once you’ve taken the Magic Ball to the moon and fed a friendly alien together, that conversation over a bowl of soup flows much more easily, and friendships blossom.
Virginia Radcliffe, Artistic Director Licketyspit“We’re delighted to support Licketyspit as they bring together families across Glasgow with their Big Porridge & Play.
“The testimonials from those taking part show how the imaginary play sessions have a positive effect on parents and children’s mental health, confidence and relationships.National Lottery players can be very proud that they are helping to support this vital work which will help make a difference to so many families.”
Kate Still, The National Lottery Community Fund’s Scotland Chair
Watch the 2022 film!
We hope you agree that play is the language of children.
You definitely will after watching Helen McCrorie’s film!
The new 20 minute film about Big Porridge & Play Glasgow year six is out now. ‘Scottish Storyplay sessions empower and connect children’ opens a window into our family play sessions last year in Govan, Ruchill and Whiteinch.
It was brilliant to be back in these communities after our online sessions during the pandemic. Some of the families filmed in Ruchill are from our online cohort, which still meets for Storyplay on Zoom.
Helen McCrorie’s film about explores how Porridge & Play magnifies children’s voices and supports multicultural groups of families to play and imagine together.
The project has been running since 2017, with Zoom since 2020 keeping families going through the pandemic.
“Before she was shy, now she stands before the crowd!” Mum of 6-year-old, Porridge & Play Online
You can also watch the trailer here.
“I’ve always believed in the proverb ‘it takes a village to raise a child’. Porridge & Play creates that village. And with poverty and division on the rise with the cost of living crisis and harsh anti-immigration policies, creating that village for our children is more important than ever.”
Virginia Radcliffe, Artistic Director LicketyspitWant to take part?
2023 will see the Licketyspit team deliver after school and weekend Porridge & Play in community partner venues and online, as well exciting Picnic & Play trips to outdoor, arts and cultural spaces over the summer holidays.
Local families with 3-8 year olds can take part in the sessions which include Storyplay games, rhymes, songs, dressing up & imaginary play, a healthy and nutritious communal meal and shared reflective drawing. Older and younger siblings can also attend.
To sign up or find out the details of Porridge & Play in each community, and access Licketyspit’s other free creative learning activities, click here.
New families can join Licketyspit’s 900-strong Children & Families Network – www.licketyspit.com/join
