Who we are

About Us

PlayBoard is the leading charity in Northern Ireland dedicated to the development and promotion of children and young people’s play.

We believe in a world where everyone can freely play and we work every day to achieve this.

Established in 1985, we support thousands of children and young people every year, through a combination of:

  • Campaigning and lobbying

  • Promoting best practice in play and playwork

  • Service delivery and development

  • Research, evaluation and awareness raising

  • Working in partnership with others to put play on the agenda of policy makers and resource providers.

Lend your support and have your voice heard!

PlayBoard NI

PlayBoard NI

Leaders In Play

Leaders In Play

Membership Based

A membership organisation, PlayBoard NI works closely with and provides support to over 1800 member groups, all of whom are committed to helping us to achieve our goal of developing quality play opportunities that improve children and young people’s lives across Northern Ireland.

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Children And Young People’s Rights

As a rights-based organisation we strongly believe that play is an intrinsic aspect of children and young people’s lives. PlayBoard works from the premise that play is fundamental to a healthy and happy childhood. Play challenges and informs our understanding of children and young people because it views them as competent and confident human beings.

This position is further endorsed by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC, 1989). Article 31 declares:

“States Parties recognise the right of the child to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child and to participate fully in cultural life and the arts. States Parties shall respect and promote the right of the child to participate fully in cultural and artistic life and shall encourage the provision of appropriate and equal opportunities for cultural, artistic, recreational and leisure activity.”

Article 31 – United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC, 1989)

improving children and young people’s lives

Reasons to Choose
PlayBoard NI

We believe in a world where everyone can freely play and with your support we will work every day to achieve this.

  • Leaders in children and young people’s play services

  • Leaders in providing and improving opportunities for play

  • Over 1800 members from 18 countries around the world

  • Authoritative voice for play in Northern Ireland

Lend your support and have your voice heard!

Child

“We haven’t got to play like this since P1 – it’s so much fun!”

Parent

“Loved seeing all the happy smiles and confidence.”

Practitioner

“We had a wonderful two days at PlayBoard with such warm and welcoming staff. We had great fun and tackled a serious topic with the sensitivity required. It is always good to connect and build relationships with other charities and workplaces. The more of this the better.”

Setting

“Most training tells us to do this and do that, but they never show us how. You guys showed us how during the play sessions and then we got to see the benefits of it all too.”

experience the passion

A Dynamic Group of Enthusiasts and Professionals

Play Professionals

Meet The Team

Alan Herron
Alan Herron
Chief Executive Officer
Lauren Robinson
Lauren Robinson
Director of Corporate Services & Finance
Angela Stallard
Angela Stallard
Director of Service Delivery & Development
Anne Tubritt
Anne Tubritt
Administrator – OUR Generation
Becca Beattie
Becca Beattie
SEN Inclusive Play Development Officer
Bernadette McPoland
Bernadette McPoland
Play Participation Officer
Casey Uscinowicz
Casey Uscinowicz
Play Participation Officer
Clare McKenna
Clare McKenna
SEN Inclusive Play Development Officer
Danielle Crosbie
Danielle Crosbie
Play Development Officer
Frances Walsh
Frances Walsh
Project Officer
Jess Eadie
Jess Eadie
Play Participation Officer
Joanne Keery
Joanne Keery
Finance & Administration Officer
Katherine Lindsay Dunlop
Katherine Lindsay Dunlop
Regional Childcare Coordinator
Laura Perry
Laura Perry
Playful Minds Coordinator
Maria McBride
Maria McBride
Senior Marketing & Communications Officer
Meg Lynas
Meg Lynas
Play Participation Officer
Meryl Boyd
Meryl Boyd
Play Participation Officer
Niamh McKeown
Niamh McKeown
Play Participation Officer
Roberta Johnson
Roberta Johnson
Service Delivery & Development Coordinator – OUR Generation
Susan Williams
Susan Williams
SEN Inclusive Play Coordinator