On Friday 11th April, James Wild MP met with members of the West Norfolk Youth Advisory Board (YAB) to hear about their campaign, Everyone Has the Right to Play. Led by young people from across Norfolk, the initiative calls for all play areas to be inclusive, accessible, and welcoming to everyone — regardless of ability or disability.
The session opened with a presentation from eight Youth Commissioners, who shared the campaign’s progress and outlined their ambition to embed accessibility into the design, funding, and upkeep of play areas. This was followed by an open discussion, where James spoke with the young people and took the opportunity to explore practical ways he could support the campaign both locally and in Parliament.
Rooted in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the campaign draws on Article 31 — the right to play — and Article 23, which calls for the full inclusion of children with disabilities. It also speaks to a growing understanding of how vital play is to children’s development — boosting physical health, emotional wellbeing, and social confidence. Accessible spaces for play are seen as a key building block for more inclusive, connected communities.
Campaign Young Commissioner, Mel, said:
“It was so important to us to be able to present our campaign and talk to James Wild. We are very grateful he had the time to be with us. His support will open doors. All we need is the chance to speak to those who can make a difference. Whenever we talk to a council or organisation about our campaign something happens – it is often the small changes that can make big differences.”
Another campaign Young Commissioner, Annabelle, said:
“We have published an Action Plan with clear straight forward outcomes which can be achieved at national and local level. As an example, include a requirement for inclusive and accessible play areas in the National Model Design Code – this would provide guidance for developers and builders. Some of this is common sense. Why use wood chippings in a play area which will trap a wheelchair? Why make a gate to a play park too heavy for child to open and too narrow for a wheelchair?”
Mancroft Advice Project Volunteer and campaign supporter, Nik Chapman, said
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed young people can bring about change. This campaign was ignited by lived experience. It has already made changes in a number of play projects where the council has listened to the wise counsel of these young people. It is powerful and inspirational.”
From regularly visiting local schools to working alongside the County Council’s Targeted Youth Support Service, James’ support for the campaign builds on his wider commitment to championing young people across North West Norfolk.
Following the meeting, James Wild MP said:
“I was impressed by the passion and determination of the Youth Advisory Board members and was pleased to have been able to learn about their hard work so far. The Everyone Has the Right to Play campaign highlights how accessible and inclusive play areas are vital for children’s wellbeing and I’m pleased to support their efforts to achieve lasting change.”
The Everyone Has the Right to Play campaign now continues to be taken forward by the Youth Advisory Board across Norfolk and beyond, who are collaborating with councils, MPs, and national organisations to shift perceptions and influence policy around inclusive play.
For more information or to support the campaign, visit https://www.map.uk.net/here-you/changing-world/everyone-has-right-play
