A NEW weekly youth club has opened in Pembroke Dock, which seeks to provide a welcoming and safe environment for children and young people with disabilities and additional learning needs (ALN).

The club is part of the Pembrokeshire Trinity Project, which is run by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Inclusion Service.

Early Help Inclusion Officer Jonathan Bell, who manages the project, said the launch of the club at St John’s Community Hall was a success.

“It’s got off to a great start,” he said. “The children and young people really enjoyed it and we had really positive feedback from parents, who were encouraged by how the youngsters engaged with the activities on offer.”

He said the project had been helped massively by a £500 donation from Valero.

“I’m very grateful to Valero for their generous support of the project, and their recognition of the difference it will make to families in the local community,” he said.

Valero Refinery’s Public Affairs Manager Stephen Thornton said: “Valero understands the importance of provision for children and young people with disabilities and additional learning needs, and Pembroke Refinery has always done as much as we can to support programmes and organisations in Pembrokeshire who provide this help.

“It is our pleasure to help the Trinity Project’s latest efforts here in Pembroke Dock, and we look forward to seeing a real benefit for children and young people across the county as the project continues to grow.”

The aim of the Trinity Project is to provide great activities, the opportunity to build new friendships, and a sense of belonging for children and young people between the ages of five and 18, and their families.

Trained volunteer play workers and staff, who organise activities from art and craft to dance, music, and computer play, provide the sessions.

Jonathan Bell said more volunteers are always needed.

“We’re looking for enthusiastic people of all ages and backgrounds. Many of our volunteers tell us how rewarding they find it, on so many levels.”

For more information on how to become a volunteer, please contact Jonathan Bell on 01437 776334/ email thetrinproj@pembrokeshire.gov.uk

Children and young people must be registered before they can attend the club. To request a registration pack, please contact Jonathan Bell on 01437 776334/ email thetrinproj@pembrokeshire.gov.uk