Sparkle Stay & Play Sessions in Torfaen Show Strong Demand for Inclusive Play Opportunities
For many families of children with additional needs, finding somewhere their child can simply relax and be themselves isn’t easy. Over the past three months, Sparkle’s Stay & Play sessions in Torfaen have offered exactly that.
Across six pilot sessions held in Pontypool, Garndiffaith and Blaenavon, families from across Torfaen attended and shared overwhelmingly positive feedback about their experiences. Every parent who responded to the survey said they would recommend the sessions to others, and almost all said they would like to attend similar sessions again in future.
For many families, opportunities like this are rare.
One parent shared a moment that stayed with them long after the session ended:
‘My son, engaging in play and engaging with other children, said ‘MUM, MUM, I’VE MADE MY FIRST EVER FRIEND’.
The sessions included sensory play, soft play, inflatables, arts and crafts and face painting, giving children the freedom to explore activities in a calm and understanding environment supported by experienced staff.
Parents and carers also told us how important it was to meet other families who understand their experiences.
‘We felt free to be ourselves, there was no judgement… it felt like a safe place for us’.
Alongside play opportunities, families were able to speak with Sparkle staff and access information about local services and support. Many told us this advice made a real difference, with so many saying they received helpful guidance during the sessions.
For some children, the impact was immediate and deeply meaningful.
At one session in Blaenavon, a family attended with their two children, Adi and Billy, both of whom have complex additional needs. Adi usually finds new environments overwhelming and rarely leaves her mum’s side in community settings. During the session, she explored activity stations independently, moved confidently around the room and didn’t want to leave.
Her mum shared:
‘Seeing Adi running around, engaging in activities and enjoying herself… if you had said to me before coming this is what would happen, I wouldn’t have believed you’.
Experiences like this show how the right environment can help children feel safe enough to try something new.
As well as supporting children, the sessions also gave parents and carers time to relax, talk with others and feel part of a community.
‘For me to sit and drink a hot coffee. For kids to relax and be themselves and have fun’.
The feedback from families highlights how important sessions like these are. Many asked for more frequent sessions, additional locations across Torfaen and opportunities for age-specific groups.
However, despite the clear demand and strong impact, there is currently no funding available to continue the sessions beyond this pilot period.
Families described the sessions as a ‘lifeline’, ‘amazing’ and ‘essential’.
Sparkle is continuing to explore ways to secure future funding so that more families can benefit from this kind of support.