Action for Children’s Vale Family Support service delivered a summer programme of activities, funded by Nationwide through its Fairer Futures social impact strategy, to bring families together, build confidence, and provide valuable life experiences.
Emma Melvin, family support practitioner at Action for Children’s Vale Family Support service, said: “This summer we’ve been able to offer families a wonderful range of activities that combined fun with learning.
“From discovering important water safety messages with the RNLI to meeting the Coastguard and seeing first-hand how they respond to emergencies, the children gained some amazing experiences while also learning valuable life skills.”
Highlights included a visit to the RNLI Visitor Centre at Barry Island, where families took part in an interactive session about seaside safety.
They learned about the beach flag system, how to identify hazards, and what to do in an emergency.
The group also spent a day with HM Coastguard at Barry Island, gaining insight into the vital role of the emergency service.
During the visit, the team was called out to a real emergency, offering families a glimpse into the realities of coastal rescue work.
The programme ended with a classic day at the beach, complete with fish and chips, sandcastle building, and time to relax by the sea.
Ms Melvin said: “These activities give children the chance to make happy memories, try new things and simply enjoy being children, while helping families spend quality time together without worrying about the cost.”
Action for Children said the summer clubs help to address financial pressures faced by families during the school holidays.
The charity’s research shows that many parents struggle with the rising costs of food, childcare, and activities during the six-week break, while also missing the support and routine provided by schools.
