Arriva Trains Wales | UP, UP AND AWAY AT VALLEYS KIDS

UP, UP AND AWAY AT VALLEYS KIDS

More than 200 balloons have been released by children from the Rhondda based charity ‘Valleys Kids’ as part of their summer play scheme.

Valleys Kids Balloon Race Supported by Arriva Trains Wales, the colourful balloons were released by the children and their families at the Soar Centre in Penygraig.

‘Valleys Kids’ is a charity working with disadvantaged children in some of the most deprived areas of the UK. The charity supports local people to improve the lives of children and families in these communities.

Sarah Jones, Community Development Officer for ‘Valleys Kids’, said: “The children have been looking forward to the balloon race for a while and they can’t wait to see how far the balloons travel.”

She continued: “Our work is about changing lives for the better and the Soar Centre gives children an opportunity to develop and grow through trying different activities. Through having different experiences and broadening their horizons, the children can achieve their potential. Children can also participate in organised ‘Time Banking’ activities to gain ‘credits’, which allow them to gain rewards such as days out by train.”

Jez Williams, station manager for Arriva Trains Wales, said: “In recent years, we have worked with ‘Valleys Kids’ on a number of projects and the work they do makes a real difference to people’s lives and local communities.”

He continued: “Our philosophy is about being involved and understanding the communities we serve. The Soar Centre is a wonderful asset for children in the Rhondda as it offers families the support they need when they need it to enable them to have a better quality of family life.”