Children and young people in Rhondda Cynon Taf are enjoying a ‘Summer of Fun’ as part of a multi-million-pound Welsh Government project across Wales, supporting them to recover from the pandemic.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has welcomed Welsh Government Deputy Minister for Social Services, Julie Morgan, to the County Borough, where she has visited three ‘Summer of Fun’ projects.
The children and young people are taking part in a wide range of sporting, cultural and play-based activities as the Council and Welsh Government focus on their needs and social, emotional and physical wellbeing after a challenging 18 months.
‘Summer of Fun’ is a £5M Welsh Government project, and is being run across all Welsh local authorities until September 30. It is aimed at those aged from birth to 25. All the activities are free-of-charge and are provided in both English and Welsh, in addition to regulated summer childcare provision.
Councillor Christina Leyshon, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “I was delighted to accompany the Deputy Social Services Minister around the Summer of Fun projects in our County Borough.
“The pandemic, and the restrictions this placed upon us, has had a profound effect on all of our lives, with children and young people among those most severely affected.
“They have been unable to attend school for long periods, which can have a significant impact on social development and activity levels as well as learning. Many have also been unable to meet up in person or socialise with family and friends.
“Loneliness and social isolation have been real problems over the last 18 months and the Summer of Fun scheme is supporting our children and young people, allowing them to reconnect with each other and the outside world through a range of exciting activities.”
Accompanied by Councillor Christina Leyshon, Deputy Minister for Social Services, Julie Morgan, visited the Welsh Play Roadshow at Beddau Village Green, Family Fun Time in Porth and the YEPS Turn Up and Play event in Tonyrefail.
The three main objectives of the ‘Summer of Fun’ project are supporting fun and the opportunity for children and young people to express themselves through play; community-based interactive, creative and play-based initiatives for all ages; and to provide opportunities to play with friends and peers.
Attractions at the Welsh Language Play Provision Roadshow in Beddau, run by Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids, on Tuesday (August 24) included a bouncy castle, arts and crafts and play activities based on the theme of Fire, Water, Earth and Air. Clybiau Plant is offering play sessions for children aged 5-11 in a range of community venues across the County Borough this summer.
Family Fun Time sessions have been designed, co-ordinated and operated by the Council’s Play Development Team, offer opportunities for children and their family members to come together for fun and exciting play experiences. A series of two-hour sessions take place at various locations across the County Borough, utilising outdoors spaces such as parks and village greens, to make them as accessible as possible for families within their local communities. Activities include bouncy castles, arts and crafts and some ‘risky play’ such as toasting marshmallows and water slides.
The Mobile Youth Provision, organised by the Council’s Youth Engagement and Participation Service (YEPS) offers street-based youth activities in sheltered spaces where young people can come along, meet youth workers and ‘chat and chill’ with friends and peers. The mobile vehicles are also equipped with large screens and games consoles, as well as free WI-FI, tablets and laptops for general use.
Deputy Minister for Social Services, Julie Morgan, said: “Having missed opportunities over the last 18 months to socialise and play with friends and peers I am delighted to see how much children and young people are enjoying the all the different activities taking place through the Summer of Fun.
“It is vitally important that we protect and build the wellbeing, physical and emotional health of our children and young people. The events I have visited today are fantastic examples of how we can support these needs and help them build confidence, reengage with learning and education, and strive to reach their full potential.
“I thank everyone who has helped make the Summer of Fun the success it has been.”
The Summer of Fun is one element of the Welsh Government’s commitment to supporting children and young people to recover from the pandemic, with activities running as part of the £150M Renew and Reform plan, announced by Wales Education Minister Jeremy Miles, to support learners, teachers and staff.
Posted on 24/08/2021