A day trip to Barry Island pleasure park and beach

Residents in our Newport refuge were consulted about what they would like to do during the summer holidays for themselves and the children. The preference was for residents to go to the beach, as some had stated that they had never been to a beach before, but had seen pictures and the movies where images of the sand and water made them want to go one day.

The Newport team worked together on arranging transport for the service users as well as funds to purchase tickets for the rides in the pleasure park, and for food and drinks.

Whilst on the train, the women were in high spirits, radiating excitement and positivity. The weather was pleasant, adding to the cheerful atmosphere. Many of the residents exchanged compliments on each other’s outfits, creating a warm and friendly vibe amongst everyone. As the residents approached the beach, they were asked if they wished to go to the beach first or on the rides.

The children enthusiastically suggested starting with the rides, as they were eager to experience them as for many this was the first time going to a theme park with so many rides. Each child received 10 tokens to use on the rides and attractions. For some of the women, the use of tokens was a new experience, so staff took the time to explain how the system works. The response was positive and the women and children were pleased with the plan.

For those women who did not want to go to the pleasure park, they made their way to beach to take a leisurely walk around the area. In readiness for the beach, support workers purchased buckets and spades each of different shapes and sizes to keep things fun and interesting for the children. Additionally, a bubble wand, a ball and two mats were purchased for everyone to sit on comfortably.

As the women strolled across the beach, making their way closer to the water’s edge, the women took a moment to capture some photos of themselves, smiling and clearly enjoying the warmth of the sun and the gentle sea breeze. We dipped their feet into the cool seawater and took a moment to simply enjoy the peacefulness of the seaside together. The children who went on the rides were keen to tell the support workers about the fun they had on the rides and that they “loved them, and didn’t want to get off!”

To keep the fun going, the support workers handed out the buckets and spades to the children, who immediately began digging and playing in the sand with excitement. The children began constructing a series of intricate sandcastles, whilst others picked up the bubble wand and began blowing bubbles, which floated through the air, delighting the children as they chased and popped them with laughter.

The simple joys of the moment brought smiles to everyone’s faces, creating a warm and happy atmosphere. Later on, the women and children stated that they would like fish and chips, for some this was a new dish so they were eager to try the local fish and chips. The women were given funds to purchase food for themselves and their children and understood any extra costs beyond what was provided would be their personal responsibility, which they understood and accepted. Everyone placed their orders and thoroughly enjoyed their meals. A halal fish and chip shop was nearby for the women who could only eat halal food, they were very happy with their food.

Following on from eating their food, the women stated they and the children were ready to go home.

Once on the train home, the atmosphere remained was warm and cheerful, with the women and children expressing how much they had enjoyed the day. Many shared that they hadn’t had a trip like this in a long time and were grateful for the opportunity to get out and have fun. They also mentioned they were already looking forward to the next outing, eager to make more happy memories together.