SOAP aims to support the mental and physical wellbeing of children through provision of supervised, active, inclusive, outdoor, adventurous play and activities. Set in a natural and physically challenging environment, we run holiday playschemes and are open after school. Entry is free to ensure all children can access the playground regardless of circumstance. Registered 7+ yr olds can visit without their parent/carer, and are supervised by a team of traiined playworkers.
Why the community needs us
SOAP is close to central Oxford. It provides a stimulating play environment for local children and actively promotes social inclusion and strengthens community cohesion. It creates opportunity for children to be active and play outdoors in a spacious natural environment, and away from their screens. Stong evidence supports the benefits of outdoor active play for children's mental and physical health, particularly in an increasingly urban and technologically focussed world.
Our impact on the community
For the last 5 years there have been approximately 7000 child visits each year. Children visit from across the city and beyond, including many from the most socially deprived areas of the Oxford.
