A local charity has received ’vital’ funding within its first three months of operation.

Isle of Play, which promotes children’s right to play, was gifted a ’generous’ amount by the Scheinberg Family to plan its future development.

The charity was founded in May this year by two former Children’s Centre playworkers who will be working closely with primary schools and local communities to provide fun activities and stimulating play to children across the Isle of Man.

Chris Gregory, chief executive of Isle of Play (pictured right), said: ’We have had the support of the public right from the start and now, thanks to this generous contribution from the Scheinberg Family, our venture can start making a real difference.

’Being able to deliver our inclusive services to the island’s children, regardless of their circumstances, is at the heart of what we do.

’We firmly believe that every child should be able to access great play opportunities in their local communities, and this donation will help us achieve this goal.’

The mission statement of this registered Manx charity is to promote and provide opportunities for all children in the island so that they can fulfil their ’Right to Play’ which is stated in Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Isle of Play relies on on-going funding from the public, local companies and trusts to cover the costs of staffing and equipment for its island-wide projects.

It currently has a team of two full-time staff - Chris Gregory and Chris King - who have more than 40 years of experience working with children and families.

Due to the support of experienced trustees and volunteers, the costs of administration and back office overheads are kept to a minimum.

The team will work with primary schools during term time by providing whole classes with access to woodland environments in its Forest School.

When school holidays arrive the team will travel around the island to local parks, glens and school playgrounds bringing a truck full of resources for children to race go-karts, build dens, swing through trees, career down ziplines, enjoy water fights and more.

All activities are aimed to have a positive impact on children’s physical development and social and emotional wellbeing.

Children will be able to access the charity’s projects throughout the year across the island.

Mr Gregory continued: ’We have exciting future plans including opening the island’s first Adventure Playground in the Hills Ward area of Douglas later in the year and starting our apprenticeship training programme.

’We would love other supporters to come on board to help us deliver these projects.’

The soon-to-be Adventure Playground will encourage children to grow vegetables, build fires, cook food and use tools to build and demolish dens.

It will also be free to access.

Find out more information about Isle of Play by visiting: Facebook.com/isleofplay