University of Leeds lockdown researchers donate Wet Wednesdays gear to Home-Start Leeds charity to help families play outdoors

The researchers from the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies at the University of Leeds raised £425 for padded rain suits and wellies after Home-Start Leeds, a charity supporting young families, told them that not having the right kit to wrap toddlers up warm and dry was a barrier to enjoying outdoor play.

Children’s clothing shop Wet Wednesdays offered a discount on items too, meaning the charity was able to provide rain sets to dozens of families in need through its regular doorstep drops, along with an outdoor mini-adventures ideas sheet developed by the research team.

Dr Catherine Davies, co-investigator on the project, said: “Exploring in the fresh air is hugely important for children’s development. This kind of play is key to good mental and physical health, with many benefits for learning.

“Our early findings show that disadvantaged families were hit hardest by the lockdown. When playgrounds were shut last spring, families without their own garden had limited options. So far this winter it looks like most playgrounds will stay open but finding the extra cash for warm outdoor children’s clothes is difficult for many families.

“Lockdown restrictions also mean that parents have to find extra ways to take care of their mental health. In this period of heightened isolation and stress, seeing their little ones play in different surroundings has never been so important."

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She said the team's research was focused on helping children to thrive but they were keen to do something practical to make a difference.

"I knew my colleagues would want to support that, but I was blown away by how quickly and generously they responded," Dr Davies said.

“Our community is so important to us – without them, we wouldn’t be able to continue our research at the Leeds Child Development Unit. This is our way of saying thank you.”

Welcoming both the team's work and its donation, Home-Start Leeds chief executive Jane Li said: “We are thrilled by the generosity of the research team and friends at the University of Leeds in supporting our work with families, many of whom were already struggling with loneliness and isolation before the pandemic.

“The researchers were determined to make sure their findings led to real change for local families, and their support will enable families with young children to go out in all weathers, which is particularly important in these present times.”

Home-Start Leeds continue to take referrals for families needing support. Visit www.home-start.org.uk/home-start-leeds or call 0113 244 2419 for full details.

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