Developing Play Provision in Gleadless Valley: A Sheffield Play Partnership Case Study

In 2024, we approached local Gleadless Valley resident and children’s entertainer, Emma, who has long held the ambition of bringing more play provision to Gleadless Valley. We discussed how she could be supported to build better provisions for children in Gleadless Valley. Through this collaboration, Emma was supported to set up Valley Youth Hub.

Now Emma can work with different partnerships, work with different organisations and apply for funding to bring provisions and activities to the area. The current staff of Valley Youth Hub have attended Play Work courses run by the Sheffield Play Partnership, as well as obtaining health and safety and food hygiene certifications.

Joined up thinking is one of the most significant factors that underpins our mission to support local people and facilitate sustained opportunities for play in areas such as Gleadless Valley.

Read the full report by Dr Christina Tatham from the University of Sheffield here.

Celebrating Valley Youth Hub

Emma Merrick and the team at Valley Youth Hub have been expanding play opportunities for children on Gleadless Valley. We were delighted to celebrate all of her hard work at the Sheffield Play Awards earlier this year. From summer pop-up play sessions to an inspiring autumn Talent Show, Emma and her team have worked tirelessly to create more opportunities for children and young people in the area.

You can find out more about Valley Youth Hub on their website or on their Facebook page.

Photography of the Awards and the Talent Show are by Jack Owen.