THE SUMMER ACTIVITY DAYS PROJECT

During the summer months Interplay, as part of the Year Round Project, runs up to 10 Summer Activity Days Projects, each running for up to ten days. Activity Days are usually for 12 - 19 year olds with and without special needs and take place throughout Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot.

This is how they work:

A mixed group, both in age and ability, of around 12  young people get together with a group of support workers at the beginning of a fortnight of activities. They are given a budget and between them decide how this will be spent over the coming two weeks.

Activity Days aim to provide a varied experience of activities during the summer with the young people having a say in what they want to participate in, whether it be ten pin bowling, swimming, gorge walking etc., or staying at their venue to do arts and crafts etc. The group make the decisions. In previous years groups have opted for themeparks, the Royal Welsh Show, visiting police and fire stations, a tour around our local football ground - Swansea City AFC, taking the ferry to Ilfracombe and many more exciting and fun ventures.

We hope this comes some of the way towards redressing the balance between activities for 5 - 11 year olds and the sad lack of provision for teenagers.

Aims of the Summer Activity Days Project

• To enable groups of young people aged 12 - 19 with and without special needs to create their own leisure schemes during the summer.
• To promote co-operation and choice between young people with and without special needs.
• To try out new and challenging activities with the support of experienced tutors and youth workers.
• To promote participation in the choice and running of the project.
• To enable young people to create their own rules and guidelines for behaviour with the support of experienced tutors and youth workers.

As well as the summer leisure schemes for young people aged 12 to 19, Interplay runs integrated activities during the rest of the year following this model. The number of young people involved has averaged 12 for each weekend and the ratio we have aimed for has been 2 young people with special needs to 1 other local young person. We have organised weekends of arts activities, sports activities and outdoor pursuits in various locations throughout Swansea and Neath Port Talbot.

Outcomes

• Enjoyment of play and leisure for disabled young people and non-disabled young people.
• Respite for parents of children and young people with special needs.
• Greater awareness of inclusion as a process.
• Promotion of integrated play and leisure for young people within the County Borough of Neath Port Talbot and the City and County of Swansea.
• Learning opportunities for volunteers and workers.
• Planning, negotiating, independence and budgeting skills.