In every area there are likely to be a number of number of charitable or not-for-profit organisations that provide play services and support local groups developing their own provision.

Within your area these might include:

• Residents’ associations
• Friends of parks groups
• Local play associations, forums and networks
• Environmental groups
• Groups with knowledge of the history of the neighbourhood
• Local voluntary sector infrastructure organisations
• Organisations that support volunteering
• Social enterprises supporting play

It is important to make contact with other voluntary groups in your area. This will increase your profile, present opportunities to involve new volunteers and create new funding opportunities.

You may need to think creatively about others who may be interested in what you do. For instance working with older residents opens up the possibility of inter-generational work that benefits different age groups in the community. Environmental or conservation groups may want to involve children, and joint projects to improve the environment may increase access and increase play opportunities.

Working with other groups gives you the opportunity to share resources, ideas and skills. It may also present opportunities for joint funding applications or at least support in kind through joint volunteering, use of premises or loans or equipment.