Vale of Glamorgan Council has been looking back on a summer of fun in 2022 and is now looking ahead to hosting many more events for its resdeitns in the coming months.

The council partnered with local organisations to create a fun-filled schedule, packed with free activities for children and young people aged up to 25 during the summer months last year.

The Summer of Fun scheme was funded by Welsh Government and aimed to support the social, mental, and physical wellbeing of children and young people and support families with the costs of activities during the summer holidays.

The project has been deemed a huge success following a glowing report with record breaking participation rates and sessions delivered.

In partnership with 130 teams and organisations, the scheme delivered 147 activities across 946 sessions over 23 areas of the Vale, including fossil hunting, archery, play sessions, dance classes and radio workshops.

The activities aimed to support re-engagement in community activities following the impact of Covid restrictions, encourage physical activity, embrace the outdoors and improve confidence and social skills in a fun, friendly environment.

During the programme, there were a total of 19,571 attendances and with inclusivity at the heart of the scheme, 24% of these were attendances from young people with additional needs, a disability or an impairment and 29% of these were from families affected by the cost-of-living crisis.

Following the Summer of Fun project, the Council's Healthy Living team asked for feedback from participants, most of which was greatly positive.

One participant said: "It was so fantastic. There were so many wonderful opportunities.

"Thank you for valuing our young people."

Another said: "It would not have been possible for me to pay for all of these activities. My nine-year-old was so excited knowing that she was able to take part in activities rather than be stuck in the house."

Cllr Gwyn John, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport and Well-being, said: "Following the challenges that children and young people have faced during recent years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, supporting the wellbeing of our young people is more important than ever.

"I was delighted to see that so many local organisations and our own services were eager to play their part in delivering activities.

"The programme was a great success and made a real difference to hundreds of families in the Vale."Well done to everyone involved in creating an unforgettable summer."

  View the full report on the Vale of Glamorgan Council's website.

The Vale of Glamorgan Council's Family Information Service will soon announce their annual Easter Holiday Programme of events. Residents can subscribe to their mailing list on the Vale of Glamorgan Council website to receive details of the programme ahead of the Easter Holidays.