Postbox Toppers, Playdough, Giant Bubbles and the Art of Being Playful Anywhere

Gary Spinks

— 3 min read
Postbox Toppers, Playdough, Giant Bubbles and the Art of Being Playful Anywhere
A decorative Easter Egg basket with eggs makes this a colourful and striking postbox topper

The picture above shows a postbox topper. It's become a common sight in parts of the UK.

The 'toppers' are knitted or crocheted decorations - often themed - which sit on top of the classic red postboxes in towns, cities and villages.

It could be argued they are an example of Citizens or community action, because local knitters or crochet lovers just go ahead and make them - then put them on the postboxes.

They didn't wait for someone to ask or tell them to do it. They just did it.

The toppers are also a wonderful example of creativity and fun. Which brings me to the theme of playfulness - and how it can play a part in community resilience.

Playful Anywhere - The Power of Play in Communities

I discovered Emma Bearman and the organisation Playful Anywhere she set up to support local communities thanks to ACTionism.

ACTionism, formed out of the Citizen Collective movement founded by Jon Alexander, featured Emma on one of their regular Spotlight calls - highlighting people or projects supporting collective, co-creative and collaborative community action.

You can watch and listen to Emma talking to Heather Davies of ACTionism here. The recording is about 50 minutes.

What is Playful Anywhere?

Playful Anywhere is a social enterprise aiming to "catalyse creativity, inventiveness and playfulness, where we work, live and travel".

The Leeds-based CIC (Community Interest Company) works with communities, residents, local authorities, housing associations, creatives, organisations and other groups to spread the power of play, fun and imagination.

It also worked with Leeds GATE (Gypsy And Traveller Exchange) to transform a gypsy and traveller site in the city into a more play-friendly space.

Why Did Emma Bearman Set Up Playful Anywhere?

Emma described herself as a community activist and, as a mother, was surprised at both the lack of facilities for families (such as public toilets in town centres) and safe, clean spaces for children to have fun and play.

Emma wanted to change that, see more street play and is proud that she helped create in Armley, Leeds, what Radio Five listeners once voted as 'the friendliest street' in the country.

Leeds now has a beacon Play Streets scheme, by the way.

On the Spotlight Call, Emma said because she was an only child she had to make her own fun. In days when there were only three TV channels, no internet and fewer cars, Emma used her imagination.

And it is imagination, creative thinking and fun behind her setting up of Playful Anywhere.

Emma said" "Collective imagination is what we need. Time and space to dream. If we can imagine it together we can make it happen. And even better if it is encouraging to others."

What is a 'Playful Anywhere' Experience?

According to Emma, it can be anything. Something simple, something more involved. Some of the simpler ideas to bring people together through play include:

  • Making Giant Bubbles in the air (and letting others have a go)
  • Taking the 'Chalk for a Walk' (using colouring chalks to make words, art or something else creative on pavements and other ground)
  • Using playdough with kids and families
  • Facepainting
  • Reimagine places and spaces
  • Tap into nature and play
  • Giving a local talk or just talking with neighbours
  • Lego
  • Spacehoppers
  • Music
  • Cake

Playful Anywhere has a shipping container filled with 'play stuff' that it can move to different locations. It also encourages people to support the organisation (one way being to buy cost-price 'Neighbourhood Play Welcome' stickers).

How Do I Bring More Play Into My Life, Family or Community?

Emma says she is the kind of person who will just try things, and get 'out there' to encourage more people to consider having more play in their lives and neighbourhoods.

"Do what makes you happy. Loiter (with positive intent). Notice signs of play in your life and what causes you curiosity. Imagine your place - and how it might be.

"Do something, talk with someone. Walk the chalk. See what happens.

"Find a stick and let it be your companion. I have a staff which I call my 'Stomping Stick' because I stomp it on the ground like Gandalf when I'm a bit gloomy or the world feels too big, and need to reset my mind," says Emma.

Emma's advice is to:

  • 'Prod the Bear'
  • Commit
  • Give it a Go
  • Think "What's the Worst that could Happen?" and just do it

Emma is doing just that with Playful Anywhere, and in helping to organise a Festival of Creativity with a treehouse theme.

Her message is simple: get out and play more, have more fun.

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