Impact
Valleys Kids works to improve the lives of people of all ages who live in Rhondda Cynon Taff.
Valleys Kids works to improve the lives of people of all ages who live in Rhondda Cynon Taff.
We offer safe spaces and gentle, consistent, free support that breaks down barriers and builds trust. Where people are struggling to reach or to understand the processes and systems of other agencies and access support, we help represent them and their concerns and work with them to reach a point where they are empowered to represent themselves.
Our programmes of activity enable members of the community to achieve lasting, positive change in their lives through developing their self-esteem, learning new skills and having new experiences, building stronger and more positive relationships, widening their social circle, and gaining greater independence.
We engage over 3,000 people each year, working alongside communities to help people help themselves.
Our play provision enables children to develop creative, social and leadership skills, in a safe space that encourages creativity and fosters a sense of community. Play gives them confidence in their abilities, inspiration and a focus for their energy, all of which have a clear positive impact on their lives at home and in school.
Our youth sessions give young people a place to be themselves and develop their social skills and sense of identity, supported by staff who can help them find answers to the questions they have and provide access to external experts who can give them guidance about subjects such as relationships, sexual health, mental health and substance abuse. The projects we deliver with young people are designed to help them maintain their sense of positivity, curiosity and ambition while enabling them to gain the life skills they will need as an adult.
Our support for families strengthens the relationships between parents and children through improving their confidence and understanding of different behaviours. The trauma support courses we deliver give families the encouragement and tools they need to recover from their experiences and manage their impact. A driving principle behind all our family programmes is bringing children and parents together to help find solutions to problems, ensuring happier lives and positive futures for all family members.
Our programme for older people enables them to feel connected, valued and to discover new interests and passions. It prevents isolation and the impact this can have on mental and physical health through encouraging strong bonds and supportive friendships among peer groups.
Our arts programmes enable people to discover creative activities, as participants and as audience members, and benefit from the enhanced sense of wellbeing, connection, and validation that the arts can offer. Our Sparc youth arts project provides young people with opportunities to express themselves creatively, learn about and experience different art forms and to benefit from the wide range of life skills the arts can help to nurture.
Some, who have developed a particular passion for the performing arts, have been supported to enter Higher Education and they have now returned to the community to establish their own arts practice and work with Valleys Kids to nurture new generations of young performers. Our visual arts programme, led by our artist in residence, provides opportunities for people to explore their own creativity, access national arts institutions and projects and curate their own exhibitions in a professional gallery.