Posted on: Tuesday 18 July 2023
Hundreds of playworkers and volunteers are gearing up for an action-packed programme of fun for children over the summer holidays.
From the well-established open access playschemes, to play and activity camps and respite sessions, it’s estimated Torfaen Council’s Play Service will provide over 2000 hours of fun and activities to around 3000 children over the next few weeks.
It’s all part of the council’s Summer Fun Fest programme, which will see children aged between 5 and 12 years have access to activities every day, including art and crafts, seasonal sports, team games and lots of free choice play to help keep them fit and healthy.
Next week, more than 360 staff and volunteers will be taking part in training to equip them to deal with everything from minor accidents to arguments between children.
Mum Kelly Longney said: “My boy has been attending Nant Celyn Play Provisions since he was five and all the staff have catered to his needs and are brilliant. We go to the clubs and the holiday playschemes and could not be happier with this service.
“We will be gutted this year when our boy goes to comp as we will not have this amazing service. Thank you for all you do Torfaen Play – you really do make a difference.”
Playworker Maia Elsworthy, who has volunteered with the service for the past two years, said: “I really enjoy volunteering, it keeps me fit running around constantly with the children and I was lucky enough to be awarded Torfaen Play Volunteer of the Year in February this year.”
Erin Walters added: "I've made lots of friends and it has helped me with writing my personal statement for University as I could talk about working as part of a team, problem solving and the benefits of keeping children fit and healthy.”
Julian Davenne, Play Service Manager at Torfaen Council, said: "We are looking forward to a fantastic week training the staff and volunteers, and an even better summer than previous years. The staff and volunteers are all raring to go to offer play opportunities to children and young people across the borough.
"I know we are going to have a memorable summer, with lots of smiley faces and great friendships being formed."
The Cwmbran Stadium Activities camp and the Open Access Playschemes do not require pre booking. Parents simply need to complete the registration process on the first day their child wishes to attend.
To find out how your child can take part in this year’s summer play programme, visit the Torfaen Council website or Connect Torfaen for the latest listings.