Chief Executive at PlayBoard, the lead organisation for the development and promotion of children and young people's play in Northern Ireland.
Belfast
Joined August 2022
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Inspirational address from Playworker Amber highlighting plays role in delivering life shaping experiences, building resilience and teaching valuable life lessons #schoolagechildcare2025
Cathy Mason MLA highlights the critical value of Play Based School Age childcare @playboard_ School Age Childcare - The Journey The Future conference #schoolagechildcare2025
Alan Herron retweeted
Looking forward to seeing practitioners from across Northern Ireland this morning at PlayBoard's regional conference Celebrating the Present and Looking to the Future of Play-Based School Age Childcare playboard.org/regional-confe…
Alan Herron retweeted
With deep sadness we note the closure of Parenting Focus after 46 years of dedicated service to families in NI. Its legacy of support, resilience & compassion leaves a lasting impact. Our heartfelt thanks to the Board & staff for their vision and commitment. 💙
Alan Herron retweeted
Why playing can improve our health and mood - at any age 👇
"We are all, after all, just “old” children – we have an innate need to play, so let’s do more of it."
inews.co.uk/inews-lifestyle/…
Alan Herron retweeted
𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺! We're looking for a highly motivated and experienced individual to join our Senior Management Team as Director of Corporate Services & Finance.
Apply now: playboard.org/join-our-leade…
Closing date: Monday 25 August at 2:00pm.
#JobsNI #NIJobs
Alan Herron retweeted
𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗳𝘂𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝗜𝗞𝗘𝗔 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗳𝗮𝘀𝘁!
We celebrated #Playday2025 with parachute games, chalk art & messy play.🎨🎈
Thanks to @IKEAUK @Tracybelfast1 & all who joined us to support #SpacesForPlay - creating welcoming spaces for children to play, connect & have fun!
ALT Two adults and a child draw with chalk
ALT Three adults pose behind a Playday photo frame in front of IKEA
ALT Adults and children hold a colourful parachute aloft in front of IKEA
ALT Two children play with the mud kitchen, alongside an adult
Alan Herron retweeted
As we wrap up an action packed #Playday25 - check out the latest episode of TV.OG featuring Spaces to Be.
Our #PEACEPLUS play programme is making a big impact in schools and settings building resilience & positive mental health, & creating a new generation of PLAY Champions! 👇
It’s #Playday2025 🎉 and we’re celebrating with a brand new episode of TV.OG!
This time, we’re joined by OUR Generation partner @playboard_ to explore how their 'Spaces To Be' programme helps build resilience in children through #play 📽️
youtu.be/18fXLTmrokY #PEACEPLUS
Alan Herron retweeted
Four of the nation’s leading play organisations have come together to issue a joint call for more inclusive and welcoming spaces 👇
#Playday2025 #SpacesForPlay
@Education_NI @paulgivan
childinthecity.org/2025/08/0…
Alan Herron retweeted
Too many children in working class communities lack access to play spaces and green areas.
Children & young people have a right to accessible, inclusive spaces where they can play freely, connect with friends & c onnect with ccommunity.
#playday2025
#SpacesForPlay
ALT A picture of Gerry Carroll holding a sign that says 'we need better spaces for play'
Alan Herron retweeted
The theme of #Playday2025 is Spaces for Play, highlighting the importance of accessible, inclusive spaces where children and young people can play freely, connect with friends, and feel valued as part of their community.
@playboardni
#SpacesForPlay
ALT Graphic that says "we need spaces to play" from PlaydayNI
Alan Herron retweeted
Information Session on Financial Support Available to Working Parents delivered by @EFCCG
🟣 12 August, 10am or 7pm
This free session is suitable for registered childcare owners, managers, deputy managers, committee members and parents.
Book now! playboard.org/event/informat…
Alan Herron retweeted
Today is #Playday2025.
Play is essential for children and young people’s physical and mental health.
Find out more about the benefits of play and low-cost activities at nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/pl…
#SpacesForPlay
@publichealthni @playboard_
ALT Girl playing in a car made out of a cardboard box: The importance of playing
Alan Herron retweeted
PlayBoard Calls For Investment In Better Spaces For Play Across Northern Ireland
👉 playboard.org/playboard-call…
#Playday2025 #SpacesForPlay
ALT Child plays hopscotch
Alan Herron retweeted
Happy #Playday2025🤗 Commissioner @ChrisNICCY and #TeamNICCY support @playboard_'s call for government and local authorities to invest in spaces for play as a fundamental right for children.
Read Chris's views on the right to play - niccy.org/news/playday-2025-…
#SpacesForPlay.
ALT This is an infographic that says 'we need better spaces for play' Wednesday 6 August 2025.
Alan Herron retweeted
#TeamPlayBoard will be visiting IKEA Belfast to celebrate #Playday2025 tomorrow between 10am and 1pm.
Drop by to enjoy playful activities, chat with our team, and pick up free activity handouts for inspiration to play at home. #SpacesForPlay #SummerOfPlay ☀️
Delighted to be attending #PositiveExperiencesCollective2025 virtual conference exploring approaches to putting physical literacy into practice @sportengland @thinkpublic
Alan Herron retweeted
Alan Herron @PlayBoardCEO comment on the recent violence 👇
ALT "We have been saddened and dismayed to see the violence taking place in our communities in recent days, and strongly condemn the racist attacks. Our thoughts are with all those impacted by the violence this week. We will continue to work with colleagues across the VCSE sector to promote peacebuilding, inclusion, and a safe, welcoming society for all." Alan Herron, PlayBoard CEO
Alan Herron retweeted
Play is essential for children’s growth, skills building and confidence. But too many are missing out.
This #InternationalDayofPlay, let’s all choose play – every day. Together, we can raise awareness for every child's right to play.
#EarlyMomentsMatter
unicef.link/3GJHjP1
