The Challenge
Temple of Play CIC is rooted in Ulverston, South Cumbria, a town with a growing population of young families but a significant lack of family-friendly infrastructure. The closure of nine key community buildings over the last decade has left a void in public space provision, while most existing cafés rarely meet the needs of parents with young children.
The nearest indoor play centre is a 30-minute drive away, and the ongoing shortage of childcare, especially for under-2s, leaves many parents without even the option of joining a waiting list. These demands are only rising as many families are relocating to the area for work opportunities.
These gaps have far-reaching consequences. Without affordable and accessible spaces to go with their children, many parents and carers, especially in the early years, struggle to find support and community, leading to profound isolation. This isolation jeopardises parental wellbeing and, in turn, can hinder the social and emotional development of young children.
Play is not just a pastime, it’s a developmental necessity. As highlighted in Learning Through Play: New Perspectives on Early Years Development (2019),
“Play provides more than entertainment for young children. With 80% of brain development completed by age three, and 90% by age five, it is integral to children’s development of language skills, social skills, and emotional intelligence. Adults’ role in play is also important, providing resources and support.”
To better understand the local need, we surveyed over 170 parents and carers in the Ulverston area. The results were clear:
81% said there are not enough activities for children locally.
83% feel uncomfortable bringing young children to most cafés.
89% have experienced loneliness or isolation in their parenting role.
78% have access to little or no support.
These figures paint a picture of a community in need. Without intervention, Ulverston risks becoming a place where families are disconnected, parents are unsupported, and children are missing out on vital opportunities for development.
Temple of Play CIC aims to address this crisis by creating an inclusive indoor play café and vibrant local hub that both nurtures early childhood development, and offers parents and carers the rest and support that they need, so that we can rebuild the ‘village’ so many are missing.
