A CROWDFUNDING campaign has been launched to provide a free storybook with play ideas to families in East Lothian.

East Lothian Play Association (ELPA) has been working with Wallyford Community Centre and the First Step Community Project in Musselburgh to develop the initiative.

Susan Humble, the association’s loose parts play development officer, said: “The book, called ‘You and Me’, is aimed at young children and adults to enjoy together and get ideas of ways to use items around the house.

“It’s a really important time to get resources to families at home and we are also fundraising to provide play packs to accompany the book.

“They will be distributed through school hubs and community networks.”

Packs would include items for den building and imaginative play, carefully chosen so children use their imagination and creativity.

They would have a sensory foil blanket, pegs, bubbles, chalk and peg dolls. The storybook provides inspiration for multiple ways to use these items.

Combining items from the play pack with everyday things from around the home, as the story shows, can provide hours of fun while also learning.

A parent who has taken part in the project commented: “The book project idea came from a few sessions of play with mothers and their child/children, which involved different activities similar to the book.

“It is important to support families through this difficult period as some, like me, are single parents on their own with children, so play is important as it helps your imagination and to develop your skills.

“Receiving a storybook and play pack would be so helpful as not everyone has access to play, the right kind of materials or much space at home to play and, with all the right tools, it can help boost how you’re feeling as you are lost in play with your imagination – something some people don’t always get to do or feel comfortable doing.”

So far, enough funds have been raised for 2,500 storybooks to be distributed across East Lothian.

For information on the project and to donate, visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/helping-families-play-every-day-covid-19.

During the lockdown, ELPA has also posted daily play challenges on Facebook at facebook.com/elpaplayrangers

Susan said: “Play is crucial to children’s mental health and wellbeing and can help us stay physically active while having fun.”