The Authority’s ‘Fair Play in the National Park’ scheme aims to support community groups working with children and young people experiencing financial hardship by providing transport to activities in the area they would usually be unable to reach.
It’s all part of the Authority’s commitment to deliver a Social Inclusion and Child Poverty Action Plan that will increase the number of children and families from financially deprived backgrounds visiting the area, using services and benefitting from the National Park’s stunning landscapes.
Early signs are that ‘Fair Play in the National Park’ has been a resounding success, providing financial assistance to community groups from as far afield as Pontypridd, Neath and Radnor, along with a whole host of local organisations. The Authority has been able to provide significant financial support to fund transport costs for these groups to access the National Park, and in many cases, practical support has been given to help deliver activities thanks to partnership working with local businesses and tourism providers. This assistance has enabled ‘Fair Play in the National Park’ visitors to take part in fun-filled activities such as geocaching, environmental pottery, climbing, kayaking, guided walks, and outdoor survival skills classes. Participants are enthusiastic about the scheme:
“I truly enjoyed my time here today, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. If I had the chance I would definitely come back.”
“One word… awesome!”
“I had a really fun time and the activities were amazing.”
Clare Parsons, Sustainable Communities Manager for Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority, said: “Last winter the Authority held a consultation which showed transport was the biggest barrier preventing those from deprived backgrounds enjoying activities here in the National Park. ‘Fair Play in the National Park’ is about breaking down those barriers and making our National Park accessible to everyone.
“So far the response we’ve had from the project has been excellent, and I’d encourage groups working with children and young adults whose families are suffering financial hardship to get in touch and take advantage of this excellent scheme.”
Having witnessed the positive impact of the ‘Fair Play in the National Park’ scheme, Authority Officers hope to secure further funding to roll out the project again next year.
Cllr David Meredith, Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority’s Member Champion for Human Rights and Equal Opportunities, said: “We’re extremely proud of the opportunities ‘Fair Play in the National Park’ is offering to people who otherwise couldn’t get here. We want to ensure that all people have an equal opportunity to enjoy the wonderful landscapes, activities and amenities that Bannau Brycheiniog National Park has to offer.”
If you know of any groups that may benefit from the ‘Fair Play in the National Park’ project, contact Huw Price or Ceri Bevan in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority’s Communities department – 01874 624437 or email communities@breconbeacons.org.
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