In the heart of Epsom, something special happens every second Sunday of the month. A residential street closes to traffic, children pour out onto the tarmac with chalks, bikes, hula hoops and skipping ropes, and neighbours gather with smiles, cups of tea, and a renewed sense of community. This is Playing Out—a grassroots initiative with a big heart, and at its centre is local parent, grandparent, and former primary school teacher, Jo.
Inspired by the joy and community spirit of the previous street parties, Jo wanted to find a way to keep that energy going all year round. “We all said afterwards how lovely it was to have everyone out on the street, kids playing, people chatting. It reminded us of how it used to be when we were young,” Jo explains.
It was during an online search that Jo first heard about the Playing Out scheme—originally founded in Bristol 15 years ago. Captivated by the idea of reclaiming residential streets for play, she travelled to Bristol to see the concept in action. “As a teacher, I’ve always known the value of play for learning, confidence, and connection. Meeting the team and hearing about the benefits first-hand, I knew it would be perfect for our street.”
Determined to bring the idea back home, Jo began working with Epsom and Ewell Borough Council and consulted with neighbours on her road. With their support, the first Playing Out session took place in November 2023.
Since then, Jo’s enthusiasm has rippled across the borough. She has worked hard, alongside the council, to establish a clear process for residents wanting to run their own sessions and built up a bank of useful resources to help others get started.
She’s also more than happy to offer guidance and support to anyone who wants to join the movement and has been appointed as a Beacon by the Playing Out organisation for representing best practice in activating play streets around the UK.
“There are so many wonderful stories I can share about the benefits of Playing Out,” Jo says warmly. “A new family moved in recently, and their son had seen our posters on the street and was keen to join in. By the end of the afternoon, they’d met all the neighbours and made friends. It was magical. His Mum even commented how in their previous house there had been ‘No Balls Games’ signs up and how lovely it was to live on a street where play is encouraged.”
One resident brings his chess set each month and loves spending time with his neighbours, young and old, teaching them to play. A pizza van run by former pupils of a secondary school teacher living on the road visits regularly and one neighbour treated the children to their pizzas during one Playing Out session.
The monthly sessions have become a highlight for families on the street—reigniting neighbourly bonds and giving children the freedom to safely play and explore, just as their parents and grandparents once did.
Thanks to Jo’s passion and persistence, the simple joy of playing out is back—connecting generations, strengthening communities, and reminding us all of the power of play.
Her mission now is to spread the word across Surrey and help others get set up. So, if you’re interested in starting a Playing Out session on your street, Jo is happy to share her experience and resources. Get in touch directly by emailing her at [email protected] and let her know you heard about her through the Grapevine!
Let’s keep the spirit of community play alive.
