Who We Are
our mission
Haringey Play Association supports children’s right to play
Somerford Grove Adventure Playground is our base and we deliver many of our sessions and provisions from here as well as outreach projects across the Haringey.
We assert that play is essential to every child’s life, a biological need which is vital for children’s development as well as a right enshrined in Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
We follow the Playwork Principles which describe play as “what children and young people do when they follow their own ideas and interests, in their own way, and for their own reasons.” We are committed to promoting children’s agency and providing spaces and opportunities where they are free to be children and make their own decisions without unnecessary adult interference.
Our services are entirely free at the point of use and we embrace the diversity of our community.
Meet Our Team
Tam Carrigan
Senior Playworker
Michelle Swingler
Playworker
Our Patrons
“I am incredibly proud to be Patron of Haringey Play Association. The Somerford Grove Adventure Playground is an oasis in the concrete jungle, run by immensely passionate and committed people. I know what it is like to grow up in a small home, without much space to play, and know how thrilled I’d have been to be able to go to a place like Somerford Grove. Adventurous and explorative play is so important for building confidence and social skills, and there will be thousands of happier and healthier children as a result of this wonderful organisation and the place they have built.”
David Lammy
Tottenham MP
David Lammy is the seven-time elected Member of Parliament for Tottenham and was appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Justice in April 2020. In recent years, David has fought for justice on behalf of the Windrush Generation, applied pressure on the Government to compensate the victims of the Grenfell Tower Fire and exposed racial bias within the British criminal justice system. David is the author of two books, Out of the Ashes, 2011, and Tribes, 2020
Ed Stafford
Ed Stafford is an explorer and survivalist who holds the Guinness World Record for being the first human ever to walk the length of the Amazon River. He has published six books about his adventures. Ed now hosts programmes on the Discovery Channel and Channel Four including survival shows and more recently documentaries focusing on social issues such as homelessness and attitudes towards Roma and Traveller communities. Ed is an ambassador for The Scouts, gives inspiring keynote talks and runs bushcraft courses.
“I am honoured to be a patron of Haringey Play Association. I spent a few weeks filming around Northumberland Park, Tottenham, I was struck by what a vital role Somerford Grove Adventure Playground plays in nurturing and supporting children in the area. From an exciting place to play and experience new things, to providing mentoring, friendship, support to chidlren and their families . The team at HarPA have worked tirelessly to build a haven for children and young people in Haringey. I only wish their could be places like this”
Our Trustees
Interested in joining our team?
A rewarding way to support children and young people
We are always on the hunt for enthusiastic volunteers. Your time contribution will make a real positive impact on children and young people in Haringey. Application form, DBS check and an interview will be required. Contact [email protected] if you are interested in volunteering