Frequently Asked Questions

No. Plings is free for people to search and free to providers to add details on the activities they provide.

Yes, we are really keen that other people take the Plings information and put it in places where more young people can find it. 

No, don't worry; we’ll do this for you. All you have to do is put your activity information into the activity publisher, let us know who your network is and we’ll contact them for you. If they haven’t replied within a week to verify you we’ll let you know.

Through our activity publisher tool. It’s dead easy to use and there is support to use it if you get stuck. However, in order to make sure that the organisation delivers safe activities and staff are qualified we only publish information from providers who belong to a recognised network..

Yes, we are really keen that other people take the Plings information and put it in places where more young people can find it. 

On mobile phones and digital television through the Looking Local Channel. On leaflets and in brochures. You can also normally access the internet for free at your local library where you will be able to access the Plings website and other websites sharing Plings information.

The best way is to use the Boredometer application which lets you take information from the Plings database and share it with friends. 

That’s part of it. But it's also about syndicating this information and making it available in places where young people would want to find it such as social networking sites like Facebook, Bebo and Twitter.

Over the next few months there will be lots of places where you can leave feedback including here at www.plings.net. But for now, you can drop us an email at hello@plings.net. Of course, the people who provide the Plings usually encourage people to feedback so, when you go, check with them how best to have your say.

No, don't worry; we’ll do this for you. All you have to do is put your activity information into the activity publisher, let us know who your network is and we’ll contact them for you. If they haven’t replied within a week to verify you we’ll let you know.

On mobile phones and digital television through the Looking Local Channel. On leaflets and in brochures. You can also normally access the internet for free at your local library where you will be able to access the Plings website and other websites sharing Plings information.

There's nothing more annoying than making your way to an event or activity, only to find it has been cancelled, or you've been given the wrong the details. This might happen because staff are ill, the building is being repaired, the weather is inappropriate or the timetable has suddenly changed so it's always a good idea to check with the organisation or venue beforehand. And it's an even better idea to let them know if the information is wrong or out of date. That way, they can put it right for others.

All the activities published by Plings are contributed by providers which have been verified by a network such as a membership organisation like the National Association of Clubs for Young People, or a governing body like the County Football Association. The local authority is also a network so if you don’t belong to a regional or national organisation you can ask your local authority if you can belong to theirs. Each network has its own criteria with regard to the information they help provide and the arrangements they make to ensure the safety and enjoyment of participants. Even so, it is always sensible to check out the activity provider, venue and nature of the activity with the organiser or people who have attended previously.

Local authorities, voluntary sector organisations, sports clubs, arts organisations and anyone else who provides events and activities. Every local authority has a statutory (legal) duty to make positive activity information ‘comprehensive, accurate and accessible’ to young people so they are under an obligation to collect, manage and share this information.

No, don't worry; we’ll do this for you. All you have to do is put your activity information into the activity publisher, let us know who your network is and we’ll contact them for you. If they haven’t replied within a week to verify you we’ll let you know.

You can try. However Google doesn't work directly with the people who provide the activities, so the information you get won’t always be what you were looking for. It’s more likely to tell you about an activity rather than where and when you can do it yourself!

We wanted to make it easier for young people and others to find information about what’s going on in their neighbourhoods. By aggregating as much information into one place as possible it will make it easier and quicker to find things that might help young people develop an interest or discover a talent.

We made it up! We knew we were looking at places to go and things to do, and somehow the word 'Plings' fell out. Places + Things = Plings which we quite liked. Hope you do too!

No. It's unique! Currently, positive activities for young people are promoted through a mish mash of channels from local authority websites to youth club posters. So, while there are lots of activities to do, its not always easy to find about them. That's where Plings comes in. Plings is the only central trusted national resource that collates all this information and channels it through to the information sources young people use such as social network sites, mobile applications and online event listings.

They are defined by the Department for Education as 'recreational leisure-time activities’ that include but are not limited to sports and informal physical activities as well as cultural activities including music, performing and visual arts and opportunities to learn in a museum or gallery. 'Positive activities' also include 'educational leisure-time activities’ like homework or special interest clubs; out of school hours coaching in artistic, sporting or other physical activities; and learning opportunities, including volunteering activity; where young people gain valuable non-formal educational benefits from the experience.

Plings provides opportunities for teenagers to realise diverse ambitions, unexpected interests and share lifestyle-changing experiences.

Plings also helps local organisations and venues to promote positive activities, encourage untapped potential and inspire young people.Plings provides opportunities for teenagers to realise diverse ambitions, unexpected interests and share lifestyle-changing experiences.
Plings also helps local organisations and venues to promote positive activities, encourage untapped potential and inspire young people.

That’s part of it. But it's also about syndicating this information and making it available in places where young people would want to find it such as social networking sites like Facebook, Bebo and Twitter.

Local authorities, voluntary sector organisations, sports clubs, arts organisations and anyone else who provides events and activities. Every local authority has a statutory (legal) duty to make positive activity information ‘comprehensive, accurate and accessible’ to young people so they are under an obligation to collect, manage and share this information.