The first day of heavy rain for months coincided with our planned day outdoors for some of the people supported by Aruni in her job as Youth and Family support worker with Ethnic Youth Support Team [ EYST ]. .
Her email in May was impossible to refuse:- “I’m writing to you with some exciting news! I’ve recently started a full-time position as a Youth and Family Support Worker at EYST. We’re currently supporting a wonderful group of young people aged 11 to 25 from diverse ethnic minority backgrounds, many of whom have refugee or asylum experiences.
We run regular drop-in sessions where we assist with homework and try to offer enriching activities like tennis, cricket, and football. I’m finding the work incredibly rewarding, particularly the opportunity to connect with these bright and open-minded young individuals. They truly make me feel young at heart!
Given the positive impact of the Brecon trips you’ve previously helped organize for various charities (Amanda is cheering, sitting next to me! She said Hi), I was hoping to explore the possibility of arranging a similar trip for our young people during the upcoming summer holidays. We believe this experience in nature would be particularly beneficial for those who have faced significant challenges. We feel that providing positive experiences for these younger individuals can be particularly impactful.
Even if it’s not possible this time to arrange a trip, thank you so much, Ailsa, for being such a truly fabulous person with such a big heart. Your willingness to welcome and support everyone without any distinction makes me so emotional every time I think of you.” Flattery got me hooked!
We rapidly agreed that we would try to host a fun day out with some sports and some crafts on Llangorse common. I was able to enlist the help of Pat Hope, a friend but also a very experienced caterer to put together some packed lunches for a picnic. We were keen to use the Bwyd Powys grant to give our regular supporters a break from cooking. In the main this worked, with donations of a super Lemon cake from Lynne and a pile of Welsh cakes from David Meredith being the exceptions. Some of the Welsh cakes provided sustenance for the welcoming crew who had braved the rain.
We agreed that a filled roll, some fruit, a small block of cheese, some crackers and a snack bar and a pack of crisps, together with a bottle of water and a can of pop would make a great lunch and then Pat made some cakes as well to add to the feast. The addition of a small. individual picnic box made the whole feast look lovely as well.
Llangors Community centre kindly loaned gazebos, tables, chairs and some cups. Robert , Kyria, Cerian and Lis helped erect and dismantle the gazebos and encouraged Ailsa and Lawrence to believe that the weather would improve. Nicola, Gemma and colleague from Sports development arrived on cue to set up the sports equipment and said that whilst they could do some sports in the hall that we had booked in case of bad weather that they were sure that the weather wouldn’t stop anyone from enjoying themselves. A very true prediction as the sun appeared about 5 minutes before the coach from Swansea arrived.
Our welcoming party of Lawrence, Darcy, Eden, Margaret , Pat B, Rhiannon, Ben, Stefan, Anna, Lis, Gaynor K, Lynne, Philip, Jean and Melrose were immediately on hand to direct to the toilets, to explain what was on offer and after some drinks and biscuits we were able to direct groups to a walk to the Crannog interpretation area, the sports, the crafts or rowing. The Rowing was heavily discounted by the Davies family who run this and was a very popular activity. Most had never before had the opportunity to row and all seemed to enjoy it. Even those who had to be ‘rescued’ had a great story to tell and were keen to go again!
It was good to see our trustee Adil who was briefly released from grandchild duties to call by and chat with visitors.
Each group swapped over so all had the chance to try everything. The crafts were clay making led by Gaynor and she had very active participation with lots of ‘Girl talk’! I was surprised to see an anatomically accurate representation of a vulva made in clay. Anna brought key ring making kit and skills and after she’d taught Darcy was able to return to work. Darcy seemed to work on the ‘one for you , one for me ‘ principle and was able to go home with a fair haul of key rings. Eden showed a few people how to make Mexican eyes but spent most time with the sports!
The walks were led by Jean and Ailsa and it was lovely to have time to chat as we walked. The crannog and the replica hut were discussed and admired and some tried to pull the sword from the stone. the walk then went across the common and a short way across the fields. It was hard to persuade people that only 4 months before the fields were an extension of the lake.
The sports consisted of Archery, Football, Volley ball,Badminton or Tennis and circus skills. Some watched and others tried everything. Rhiannon’s nephews Stefan and Ben were very happy with the sports and rowing. Feeding the ducks wasn’t initially on the agenda but many younger participants were delighted to do this.
By the time all had tried every activity and had an ice cream, it was time to go home! Then we realised that we’d not even had time to eat the cake so that went back to be shared with other people at a drop in group the following day! The group leaders all said how much they had enjoyed the day and looked forward to return visits! A lady from Neath said that she could hardly believe how friendly and kind everyone was and what a wonderful group we all are.
Aruni wrote later that evening ” they are all so happy about the lovely experience they had. My staff told me how good and kind your team was. I have no words to express my gratitude. Thank you so much.❤️💜🩵🧡💛💙🤎🖤🩶
Thanks to everyone who helped to make this such a special and different day full of fun and laughter. None of this would have been possible without EYST agreeing to the trip and paying for the coach, Nicola and colleagues from Sports Development, Pat Hope for supplying the packed lunches [ and giving her time and effort for free] , Lawrence, Darcy, Eden, Margaret , Pat B, Rhiannon, Ben, Stefan, Anna, Lis, Gaynor K, Jean, Lynne, Philip, Melrose, Robert, Adil, Kyria and Cerian for help in many different ways. And to Robbie and Garnie Davies for encouragement, support, and rowing boats supply.
And thanks to Aruni for her vision and leadership and to her lovely colleagues who came prepared to have a good day out in the countryside. .
from EYST JUly Newsletter
