PUPILS from a Derby school were invited to “have fun and stay at the YMCA” for a Christmas-themed day of treats and festive fun.
Thirty pupils from The Bemrose School and The Bemrose Primary School – who are part of the school’s intervention group – attended the Padley@YMCA Derbyshire Community Hub at Parcel Terrace to enjoy festive activities, providing the charity with an opportunity to connect with families in the local community.
The pupils took part in Christmas crafts and were treated to cookies, hot chocolate and homemade cakes prepared at the centre.
Year two pupil Jahfari said: “I want to stay here forever – I’ve had so much fun today. It’s really cool that we got to come out of school for this.
“My favourite part was making hot chocolate and cookies. We got to make them ourselves and there were so many to eat.
“I’m really proud of my colouring too. I’m going to take it home and show my parents.”
In addition to a day of activities, the YMCA handed out 30 hampers to families who attended, filled with essential food items, toiletries and Christmas treats to support them during the festive period.
Louise Curd, director of lifelong learning at the YMCA, said: “It was fantastic to welcome the pupils from The Bemrose School to the hub. They represented their school brilliantly and it was clear they had a wonderful time.
“We ran this activity as a way for the YMCA to connect with families in the local area and reach out to those in the community who may benefit from additional support. This is exactly what the hub is here for.
“We’ve asked families who attended today to complete a short questionnaire so we can better understand how we can support them in the future – whether that’s through education and training opportunities, housing advice or other services – and work together to co-create what they need.”
The hub offers opportunities to boost physical and mental wellbeing, build resilience and develop essential life skills through educational workshops, wellbeing initiatives and help with accessing vital food and financial support. The team aims to create a welcoming, inclusive environment where individuals and families can thrive.
Chioma Obianyor, mum to a boy who attended the activity, said: “My son was so excited this morning to come to the centre and he was just as excited when I picked him up. He looks like he’s had an amazing time.
“The hamper is so thoughtful and will be a huge help for our family, especially at this time of year. We’re really looking forward to getting home and seeing what’s inside.
“The school is always incredibly supportive and my son truly feels cared for. We couldn’t carry the hamper home, so a member of staff kindly offered to deliver it for us. They always go above and beyond.”
Beaulieu Watson, pastoral care lead at The Bemrose School who helped organise the event, said: “It’s amazing to establish a partnership with such a valuable community hub, right on the doorstep of the school and within the community where so many of our families live.
“We hope that families from our school have made that connection with the centre and feel confident accessing the fantastic services they offer.
“We’re looking forward to continuing to work closely with the hub and supporting families together, alongside the work we already do in school.”
This press release was distributed by Penguin PR. To find out more contact Sarah-Louise Elton on 01332 416228 or by email at [email protected]
