Deon, Sarah, Jessica and Riana run Play & Respite Sessions at The Cockerel, Victory Church, Glenside and Fairhill Church. They are supported by a team of volunteers who are running fun sessions for children throughout August.
Across Torfaen, there are 180 volunteers aged 16-17 and 140 paid workers providing a wide range of play activities at 37 sites. All went through a week’s training to give them the skills to support children and young people during the summer holidays. The 37 sites being run by Torfaen Play are:
- 13 laugh, learn and get active camps (food and fun) at local primary schools. Over 1,300 children have booked on to attend every day with a waiting list for every single camp.
- 9 Open Access Playschemes
- 6 Play and Respite Sessions
- 9 Play in the Park Sessions
Cwmbran Life asked the four leaders to tell us a bit about themselves
Riana
What is your favourite memory of playing as a child?
Swimming and playing in the park.
What are the best things about being a playscheme leader?
Making everyone happy.
What is a typical day at your site like?
Amazing.
Favourite music artist?
Pink
Favourite hobby?
Swimming
Favourite food?
Curry
Favourite item of clothing and why?
PJs
Dogs or cats?
Dogs
Summer or winter?
Winter
First or last on the dancefloor?
Last
What song do you always sing in the shower?
Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush
Deon
What is your favourite memory of playing as a child?
Sledding down a bank by my house on trays with my brother.
What are the best things about being a playscheme leader?
Getting to act like a child and play all day and getting messy and teaching other adults to do the same.
Favourite music artist?
Eminem
Favourite hobby?
Going walking
Favourite food?
Pasta
Favourite item of clothing and why?
Leggins and stretchy tops for comfort
Dogs or cats?
Cats
Summer or winter?
Summer
First or last on the dancefloor?
Last
What song do you always sing in the shower?
It’s a new shower. I don’t want to break the glass
Sarah
What is your favourite memory of playing as a child?
Climbing trees.
What are the best things about being a playscheme leader?
Seeing happy kids playing and joining in
What is a typical day at your site like?
Loud.
Favourite music artist?
Ed Sheeran
Favourite hobby?
Reading
Favourite food?
Pizza
Favourite item of clothing and why?
Joggers- they are comfy
Dogs or cats?
Dogs
Summer or winter?
Summer
First or last on the dancefloor?
Last
What song do you always sing in the shower?
Six
Jessica
What is your favourite memory of playing as a child?
Building a tree swing over a river whilst camping with my family.
What are the best things about being a playscheme leader?
Making sure that all children and staff are having fun whilst being with me.
Favourite music artist?
Anything I can dance to
Favourite hobby?
Crocheting
Favourite food?
Chinese chicken stir fry
Favourite item of clothing and why?
Pyjamas after a fun day at work
Dogs or cats?
Dogs
Summer or winter?
Summer
First or last on the dancefloor?
First and last
What song do you always sing in the shower?
Imagine by Bass Modulators
Info on play sessions across Torfaen
- All the food and fun camps taking place in the primary schools are full so parents/ carers should not turn up. Email torfaenplay@torfaen.gov.uk to be added to a waiting list.
- There are 160 spaces at the camp at Cwmbran Stadium and these are for children from Torfaen, aged eight and over. Your child will need a packed lunch.
- Info on the open access sessions is below. Please go with your child for the first session to register.