Over 300 children enjoyed the free Bouncy Fun sessions held at The Pavilions during the February half-term. The sessions were co-ordinated by Caring Town and run by Fusion as part of the TQ9: Together We Care initiative to support local people through the cost-of-living crisis. Community grant funding from Totnes Town Council and the Paige Adams Trust helps to make possible these pay-what-you-can sessions to give families somewhere warm to spend their days during the holidays with the bonus of lots of fun and free snacks.
Aydin Boyacigiller, Project Manager Caring Town, said: “Caring Town, Totnes Town Council and 25 other organisations came together to coordinate and offer the TQ9: Together We Care programme: positive community activities in warm spaces (with a warm welcome). Over the Christmas holiday, over 275 children attended the Bouncy Fun sessions at the Leisure Centre. As it was on a pay-what-you-can basis and funded through a community grant from the Town Council, it was truly inclusive. The feedback was great with many saying they wanted more. In response to this, a further five sessions ran over the February half-term with over 300 children energetically enjoying the bouncy castle and soft play. This is a great example of a community response to the cost-of-living crisis and a fun and innovative activity in a warm space. Thanks to Kevin and his team at the Leisure Centre for helping to make this happen.”
Cllr Emily Price, Mayor of Totnes, said: “There are so many pressures on families right now – from keeping everyone fed and warm to keeping everyone happy – and it’s a problem that’s exacerbated during the school holidays. Bouncy Fun has helped to take some of the pressure off by providing something really fun to keep the kids entertained. Being able to spend the day here means families have not had to keep the heating on all day and with some tasty snacks on hand, it’s no wonder it’s been so well received. I’m proud that the Town Council was able to help fund this school holiday lifeline and I extend my thanks to Caring Town, Fusion and every group in the TQ9: Together We Care partnership for making sure we’re helping those who need it most – together we are demonstrating how our community can help look after each other and make a real difference to local people’s lives.”
Kevin Teague, General Manager at Totnes Leisure Centre said: “It’s so good for Fusion to be interacting with our local partners to create affordable and fun activities like Bouncy Fun. Putting a little fun out there for people to use at this tough time is important.”
Some comments from participants during the February Half Term Bouncy Fun sessions:
- Thank you for providing a safe and fun environment for my children! I hope this service continues.
- Amazing resource! Thank you so much for giving this to our community
- We loved it! Be so great if it could happen again. Totnes really needs this kind of thing.
- I had so much fun thank you. I made a friend. I love Bouncy Fun.
- We really enjoyed these sessions- the kids love it. Lots to do and to enjoy with friends. And so kind with tea, coffee and fruit. Thanks so much.
You can find details on upcoming free, pay-what-you-can, and subsidised activities for people of all ages in the TQ9: Together We Care calendar on the Town Council’s website at www.totnestowncouncil.gov.uk or by calling 01803 862147.