Gorge-walking, ice-skating, family cookery, performing arts, driving school, beauty classes, horse-riding, fashion design, street dance and leisure access are just some of the many exciting opportunities being offered to young people for FREE as part of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Summer programme.

There truly is no excuse to be bored or be getting involved in things you shouldn’t during the long summer holidays, thanks to a fun-packed schedule of activities, with specific opportunities for those who are disabled, have special educational needs or want to spend time together as a family.

The programme, which can be downloaded from this website now| now, offers a range of activities for those aged seven to 19, delivered by a range of Council Services, including Services for Young People, the Fframwaith Children and Young People’s Partnership, Leisure Services, Creative Industries and more.

The programme has been coordinated by the Council’s far-reaching Services For Young People team and funded by Framwaith and Convergence funding to offer an extensive, equal access provision.

Young people get to choose up to five activities from the many in the programme, which can include a maximum of two trips – such as Gorge-Walking, Oakwood Park, ice skating, white water rafting, golf, horseriding, paintballing quad biking, laser pigeon shooting, surfing and more. You have to be aged between 11 and 19 to go on the trips.

Examples of other activities include:

• A revamped Arts, Disability and Special Educational Needs programme at various locations, where you can try your hand at making films, performing in drama and dance, graffiti workshops and more. There is sensory theatre and stortytelling for children with complex needs and more. Siblings and other family members welcome.

• Sessions that all the family can join – cookery, digital photography, bike maintenance and a bike ride.

• Stupendous stories and creative crafts at Professor Cortex’s Story Lab – at a library near you. Don’t forget the summer reading challenge launches in your local branch on July 16. Join in and get a free gift – and catch the reading bug!

There are also performing arts for kids workshops, outdoor willow weaving, a driving school, intensive hair and beauty training,  funky flower arranging, experience the live gig experience, community sports days, DJ workshops, recycled fashion design, street dance, film-making, keep yourself safe on the internet, samba drumming and more!

The summer holidays also means FREE leisure access to those aged 16 and under and their parents at every Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Leisure Centre and swimming pool through the exciting High 5 scheme. Visit your nearest centre or the High 5 web pages| to find out more.

Cllr Eudine Hanagan, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, said: “The summer programme runs from July 23 to August 31 and offers young people the chance to access, for free, new opportunities.

“Regardless of their home lives or personal circumstances, they can access activities with their friends, hone their skills, discover hidden talents and try things that may have been out of their reach before. 

“As well as offering fantastic fun during the holidays, keeping them occupied, busy and out of trouble, the programme also allows them to spend time with their friends and parents, carers or siblings during the holidays.”

For more information on how to get involved call 01443 744194 / 744306 or download the brochure| or the booking form|