Photo by Ivan Dražić
A statement from The Playwork Foundation
31/07/24
The horrific incident at The Hart Space in Southport, England, this week has shocked us all.
Our thoughts are with the children, families, friends, neighbours and other community members who are experiencing something so unbelievable as the event that took place this week. It is not fair or right or just.
Our thoughts are also with the emergency services who responded to the scene and the staff of the community centre who bore witness to this heinous attack. In particular, our thoughts are with those who were working directly with the children that afternoon. For playworkers, as for all who work with children, a worst possible scenario such as this is a deeply buried fear, because we are not only in a caring role for the children, but we care for them.
This attack lies so far beyond the parameters of our expectations that it would rarely appear in our risk assessments or protocols. And where it does feature, the thought of events such as this actually coming to pass is a horror we hope never to face.
We do not know why this event happened. The answer to that question lies elsewhere and will hopefully become clear so that calm and considered responses may come promptly.
What we do know is that, as a sector, we must continue to advocate for the right of the child to play.
To the people of Southport, we are thinking of you and will support you in any way we can.
To all of us supporting children in the summer holidays and throughout their lives, let us talk and find our own unique sector response.
Please let us know if there is anything we can do.
The Playwork Foundation 