Without playtime, children’s behaviour, confidence, and physical and mental wellbeing suffers.

Oxfordshire Play Association (OPA), which champions the right of all children and young people to high quality and inclusive play, has launched an exciting project to bring armed forces’ families and local communities closer together.

A unique series of Playdays at Oxfordshire’s garrison towns is planned, with free activities for young people aged up to 19, as part of its successful bid to the MOD Armed Forces Community Covenant Grant.

Oxfordshire was the first local authority in the country to pledge support to this covenant which encourages charities, local authorities, businesses, communities and individuals to work together with the military to offer support to service personnel and their families as well as reservists and veterans.

OPA’s Armed Forces Playdays are set to encourage children from military families and from the local communities to play together and form new friendships. Martin Gillett, OPA Manager, said: “We want to help integrate military families into the community in a fun way with activities that will appeal to children and young people of all ages. There will be advice, support and information for armed forces personnel on off-base children’s clubs and groups and other family services available in their local area. All children and young people are welcome to come along to these great free events.

“We’ll be showing families, whatever their background, that they can have fun together and play together to improve their physical activity, health and wellbeing, without spending lots of money.” Events will vary at each location, but the type of pursuit on offer will be skateboarding, have a go at brass band instruments, and Playbus. Debenhams and M&S will be attending some of the days providing activities to engage older children. So pick your family a play date throughout the spring and summer, kicking off with Bicester Garrison on Thursday, April 12, followed by RAF Benson on Saturday, April 21, then at locations across Oxfordshire from May to August.

Visit www.oxonplay.org.uk for further details.