Following a generous grant from the Co-op Community Fund to create creative play packs for children living locally, Theatr Iolo have been able to create and give away 200 packs containing craft materials aimed at children aged 5-11, to families who wouldn’t have otherwise been able to afford them.
The Cardiff based company created packs themed around their annual Young Playwrights Project, encouraging children and young people from Wales to come up with an idea for a new play. The packs included writing materials, scissors, glue, paints and pens, as well as lots of ideas and resources to inspire the children receiving them. The packs were then distributed to families through Taff Housing Association, who own and manage over 1,500 homes across Cardiff.
“Creativity and play are essential for children to develop new skills and use their imaginations, as well as offering them new ways to explore the world around them. But the reality is that many families simply can’t afford to spend money on craft supplies such as scissors and glue. The grant from the Co-op has enabled us to reach hundreds of families in Cardiff and has brought joy to those who have received the play packs.”
Sarah Gilbert. Communications and Engagement Manager, Theatr Iolo
“As the ongoing cost of living crisis has put unprecedented pressure on family budgets, we were delighted to receive the play packs for our front-line staff to distribute to children experiencing hardship, living in our homes. The packs have been a real treat, full of creative materials and an interactive guide on how to create their own play, using their imagination. Sadly, there is often little if anything left in the budget to buy arts and craft materials, so these packs have been well received!
Clare Dickinson, Community Inclusion Manager, Taff Housing Association
|Theatr Iolo have been creating and giving away Creative Play Packs since 2020. Since the start of the project, the company have given away 850 boxes in total, making a huge difference to the lives of children throughout Cardiff and Newport.