Half Term Fun For All

Football stadium tours, rock schools, play schemes and days out are just some of the exciting activities that have been organised to keep children and young people entertained this year.

Agencies from across the board, including Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Services For Young People department, which includes detached youth workers and E3+ coordinators, as well as youth centres, Communities First and the voluntary sector have pulled together an action-packed programme.

It is hoped that by working together, the agencies can put on a programme of events to suit all ages and interests during the half term.

The significant piece of work has been pulled together under Operation Bang, the ongoing multi-agency response to the issues and challenges that traditionally arise at this time of year due to half term, Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night.

Some events are open to all while others have been put on for specific age groups, communities and school clusters.

The programme includes open access play schemes and workshops and the return of the popular Club Fusion Blue Light Discos in Aberdare, Ferndale, Mountain Ash and Porth.

Other activities include:

• Stadium tours of Old Trafford and the Cardiff FC Stadium
• Glow in the dark bowling
• Hallowe’en themed discos
• Eerie woodland walks
• A trjp to London for shopping and a West End show
• A trip to Alton Towers
• Gorge walking
• Arts and crafts schemes
• Rock school and more

All available information on the scores of activities available can be found at www.whatsonrct.co.uk, including where and when the events are taking place, if there are any charges or age restrictions and also, in the cases of some events, the community or school cluster they have been organised specifically for.

Cllr John David, Cabinet Member for Communities, explained: “Half term can be a difficult time, especially at this time of year and its inclement weather, in terms of finding things to do.

“That is why the large majority of those working on behalf of children and young people, as well as the wider community, have joined forces to create a programme that is bound to have something for everyone.

“We want everyone to have a fantastic time of year, but not at the detriment of others, which is why we have strived to provide positive, engaging activities.

“www.whatsonrct.co.uk is the ideal location for such information, as it contains details on the specific events, but also information on other events and days out available. You can also use the site to search for leisure activities in your local centre, including the free family provision that is always offered during school holidays.

“I hope that people take advantage of what is on offer and have a great half term, Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night – there certainly is no excuse to be bored!”

Sgt Richie Gardiner of South Wales Police, is overseeing the co-ordination of Operation Bang, from enforcement and education to ensure the safe storage, sale and use of fireworks, to high profile policing and community reassurance and delivering youth and community activities to deter anti-social behaviour.

He said: “This is the first time that we have worked in such a way to pull all the information into a central port of information to make it easy for young people and their families to access.

“There are a wide range of activities on offer and we hope they are well-used as they are being delivered for the benefit of our young people.