Volunteer Trustees to support London's oldest adventure playground

What will you be doing?

The Triangle is a small but vibrant and historically important charity. Since opening in 1957 we have engaged thousands of young people through free, creative and adventurous play. The modern incarnation of Triangle began in 2008. Under the guidance of our long term Senior Playworker the Triangle has steadily increased the number of young people who attend and we currently have over 650 active registered users.  The current position for the Triangle is a strong one with a solid financial base, a capital works program underway that is improving the playground,  and committed and skilled key staff in place. The challenges for our board are to help our Senior and Deputy Playworkers enact a number of capital projects over the next 2 years, build fundraising opportunities with HWIs and connections to corporate and tech businesses and developers (notably within our locality - Vauxhall / Oval / Kennington ), lead engagement and manage the relationship with the Council and neighbouring residents to create access to a MUGA and explore expansion of site boundary fence, renew our lease, promote our ethos of child led free adventure play. We seek trustees who have lived experienced or understanding of the challenges young people from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds face growing up in inner city London. The Triangle welcomes young people from every cultural background, 81% of our young people are BAME and we wish our trustees to reflect this better.  The Chair role will be available in June but we are interested to hear from all people who have the desire and ability to take a more engaged role and utilise their skills to bring value to the Triangle as a trustee or member of our management committee.   "Triangle Adventure Playground provides a rich community resource where children can engage in adventurous play. The quality of play that I observed during a recent visit was exceptional. There is no doubt in my mind that the mental health of the children who play here is better as a result of this playground and the opportunities it provides" - Dr. Helen Dodd; Ph.D Professor of Child Psychology University of Reading (2019)

What are we looking for?

At heart any Chair or trustee must have an appreciation and understanding of the nature and value of adventure play, including the crucial developmental benefits 'risky' play provides for children. Ideally we seek someone with experience or knowledge of the challenges young people face growing up in inner city London.  Key skills for our ideal Chair would include governance and leadership, fundraising knowledge or connections to help us diversify our income, and experience volunteering or working for a youth or children's charity.  Our current management committee is 7 strong and includes play and financial expertise as well as members of our local community of Triangle parents. 

What difference will you make?

The Triangle offers a unique chance for a trustee to have a direct impact upon the lives of hundreds of young people and their families. We are a frontline charity that has a deep bond with our community. As part of our board you will support and shape our work and strategic direction, as well as help us achieve our purpose of continuation and expansion of our award winning play service.  The Triangle engages with children from a young age and often is present in their lives for many years, supporting their physical and mental health throughout the various stages of childhood and adolescence. Our long term holistic approach has helped thousands of young people develop life skills, build confidence to lead a healthy positive life, gain access to opportunities, set achievable goals and overcome challenges and difficulties. Our support doesn't end at 17 as we train and employ young adults who spent their childhood playing at Triangle via our volunteer to playworker scheme.  The Chair of Trustees is a key role in our organisation. Your leadership and commitment will advocate for us in discussions with the local business and political community. The role includes a focus on increasing awareness of our impact and sharing the benefits of adventure play to a wider audience.  “I feel I can be myself and express myself in Triangle since it’s really really fun and exciting” - Triangle young person aged 11. “Other adventure playgrounds are fun and that; but Triangle is for the people!” - Triangle young person aged 15