AN organisation working to develop and promote young people’s play has called on politicians to "champion play" in the run-up to the May election.
PlayBoard NI says that following the coronavirus pandemic, it is also urging political parties to "recognise the critical role play has in supporting recovery from Covid-19".
Chief executive Jacqueline O'Loughlin said "we are calling on all political parties to recognise and value the importance of play".
PlayBoard NI said that prior to Covid-19, young people "faced many barriers to meeting their play needs, such as a lack of time, space and permission to play in their communities".
It said the situation has been made even more challenging by the pandemic, which has seen a further decline in physical, social and creative play opportunities, resulting in poverty of experience for our children and young people.
Ms O’Loughlin said: "The Covid-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns have shone a spotlight on just how vital play is, with increased isolation and restrictions over the past two years affecting the mental health and well-being of our children and young people.
"We are calling on all political parties to recognise and value the importance of play, and to champion its role in supporting our children and young people as they recover from the impact of Covid-19.
"We are asking for three key commitments: legislation for play, policy for play, and leadership for play. Now, more than ever, our children and young people need access to quality play and recreation opportunities in their communities."