City of Wolverhampton Council has installed the large picture boards next to play areas in Bantock Park, East Park, Phoenix Park and West Park.

The boards have been designed for children, young people and adults who have difficulty communicating verbally.

Users can express their thoughts by pointing to the panel’s symbols, which have been specially selected for playground environments. 

Young peoples’ group HY5! has worked with the council to introduce the new boards, which have been funded through the government’s Pride in Place Impact Fund.

HY5! is a group of young people with lived experience of special educational needs and disabilities. Members work with the council and partners to improve services, support and opportunities for young people in the city. 

Under its project ‘HY5! On the Move’, young people visit places and spaces and share their feedback with SEND officers on ways to encourage other young people to access them and how accessibility can be improved.  

Communication boards in parks were identified as a way for children and young people to express their thoughts, emotions and play choices - making their experience more enjoyable and less stressful.

Young people at Broadmeadow Special School also supported the ‘HY5! On the Move’ project and were among those who highlighted the significant difference communication boards could make for children and young people with communication needs.

Councillor Jacqui Coogan, cabinet member for children, young people and education at City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “Play areas should be a place where all children and young people can have fun and connect - and these new boards aim to help them do just that.

“Many people in our city rely on pictures to communicate and the boards not only raise awareness of the different methods people use but also give children and young people a way to share their feelings while enjoying time with family and friends.”

Councillor Qaiser Azeem, the council’s cabinet member for resident services, said: “A huge thank you to the young people of HY5! and Broadmeadow Special School – your hard work has helped us to make sure these play areas more inclusive for everyone.

“The specially designed boards aim to remove barriers to communication and make sure everyone can enjoy their time in the open air. We are grateful for the Pride in Place funding that has helped make this aim a reality.”