An ambitious new project offering children and young people with additional learning needs (ALN) or disabilities in Pembrokeshire a chance to play, make new friends and build their confidence is to be launched at the end of January.

The Pembrokeshire Trinity Project will provide Saturday morning youth clubs in a friendly, safe environment for children and young people with ALN and disabilities between the ages of five and 18.

The first club to launch will be at Haverfordwest, who will hold their first session at Bethesda Baptist Church tomorrow (Saturday). Meetings will be held weekly for the first two months, and fortnightly after that.

Further clubs will open at Pembroke Dock and Fishguard in the spring.

Pembrokeshire County Council is co-ordinating the project and is providing registration packs to any interested parents or carers (please see details on how to get a registration pack at the end of the article).

“The aim of the Trinity Project is to provide great activities, the opportunity to build new friendships, and a real sense of belonging,” said organiser Jonathan Bell, Early Help Inclusion Officer.

“We have a wonderful group of volunteer play workers, who will be organising fun activities from art and craft to dance, music, and computer play - or even just enjoying a board game, or a chat.

“The project will give young people with ALN and disabilities a chance to do their own thing, while offering parents and carers the valuable opportunity to do just the same.

“We understand the challenges faced by parents and that a few hours’ respite and relaxation on a weekend can make a big difference to a family’s life.”

A local mother said that apart from sports clubs, there are no other options in Pembrokeshire for children with ALNs to socialise in a safe environment outside school with the support from young and enthusiastic volunteers.

She said: “I commend Jon Bell’s research, foresight and innovation to action what will be a fantastic opportunity to connect the youth in the local community - for those who need support to socialise and for those who volunteer their support.

“I know my son is looking forward to getting the paints out with someone other than mum!”

The clubs also offer a fantastic opportunity for volunteers who would like to further their experience of working with young people and develop their skills within an ALN setting.

Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are being sought to help deliver dynamic, child-centred and play-based sessions in which positive relationships are developed and the needs of each individual is met.

Emma Sutton said volunteering had made a huge difference to her life.

“It started as simply giving up just two hours a week to spend time with a young person who needed a little extra in their lives,” she said.

“I quickly discovered how rewarding this was and have subsequently gone on to become an activity support worker with Pembrokeshire County Council and I really feel I’ve found the career I want to continue in!

“Volunteering is beneficial on so many levels: it gives the volunteer a sense of fulfilment knowing that you’re making such a difference to a young person’s life and gives you the opportunity to make new friends with like-minded people.

“It also gives parents and carers a bit of ‘time off’ which we all need from time to time! And most importantly for the young people themselves, it gives them that bit of independence from their families which is so important in their development.”

For more information on how to become a volunteer, please contact Jonathan Bell on 01437 776334/ email [email protected]

Children and young people must be registered before they can attend the club. To request a registration pack, please contact Jonathan Bell on 01437 776334/ email [email protected]