We are aware that children's physical activity has diminished over the years. This led to increased childhood obesity and mental health issues. This needs to change.

This year’s NSC Forums will explore why it is critical to encourage children to be active, discuss programs that are creating significant impacts and hear what young people really want.

It is vital that all levels of government, education and the sports and recreation sectors collaborate to support more encouragement and opportunities for children to play and be physically active.

Check out this fascinating report from Ludicology, a research and training services provider, supporting play centred policies in the UK.  

The case studies and children's stories provide an authentic view of what is actually happening on the ground and what children are really saying about their own experiences of play.  This report 'provides information to support and develop evidence-based interventions at both a neighbourhood and local authority level'.  

"Play is not when you are told what to do"  

Kieran Brophy, our Assistant Director, recently presented to Dads Group, who is currently working with Moreland City Council's Maternal and Child Health service. The aim of Dads Group is to shift outcomes for new families by 'promoting positive parenting for men and giving new Dads the support and connection they need'. 

Kieran highlighted the need for us all to value play and provided the following messages for attending Dads:

* for growth and learning, kids need to take risks, get messy and make mistakes when they play
* parents need to take a step back and give kids freedom to play; so let go of the outcome and let kids be curious and play their own way
*  and join in the fun at the right time! 

October is Mental Health Awareness Month.  The AIS has developed Wellbeing Wednesday, a webinar series to discuss topics such as maintaining motivation and self-care. 

The South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute is launching a  'Be Well Tracker' as part of the Be Well Plan. This self assessment tool provides a report on your own mental health, but it will also help vital research into mental health. Certainly worth a look!

The link between improved mental health and physical activity is well documented and Play Australia will continue to advocate for increased play for children, to provide better health and wellbeing outcomes.  

Play Australia is the peak national advocacy organisation for PLAY. We support outdoor play by way of inspiration, advice, access to information and professional services.  

As the Australian branch of the International Play Association we protect the human rights of all children to play, as recognised within Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

We are a member based organisation and together we bring a voice to support the health and wellbeing of all Australians. If you recognise the importance of embedding play into everyone’s daily lives to achieve better life outcomes, then become a Play Australia member and add your voice.