Bonymaen Kids Play Initiative (BKPI)
The Project in a Nutshell:
BKPI provides open access play sessions after school and during holidays for over 240 children aged 5-11 and 30 young volunteers aged 12-16. The project seeks support for summer activities for young volunteers, allowing them to access play activities, take risks, and take on leadership roles in a safe environment.
Why This Matters:
The project benefits children aged 5 to 11, young volunteers aged 12 to 16, children with Additional Learning Needs (ALN), particularly those with ASD and ADHD, and local families from Bonymaen and surrounding areas. BKPI offers a safe and welcoming environment where children and young volunteers can make friends, play, and have fun. The initiative helps young volunteers develop resilience, leadership skills, and a sense of community, ensuring their voices are heard and valued. Additionally, BKPI helps children grow into strong, healthy, and independent individuals. Play reduces stress, enhances emotional development, and teaches important social skills. Young volunteers gain self-esteem, confidence, and valuable life and work skills, serving as good role models for younger children.
The project involves recruiting new young volunteers and supporters, staff recruitment workshops, and induction and training sessions for new staff and volunteers. The playscheme aims to engage children with ADHD and ASD, providing them with meaningful volunteer experiences and a sense of belonging. The initiative culminates in end-of-summer celebrations and reward trips for young volunteers.