Summer success at Deeplish Community Centre

Mayor Ian Duckworth and Mayoress Christine Duckworth with councillors, children and volunteers at Deeplish play scheme

Mayor Ian Duckworth and Mayoress Christine Duckworth presented certificates of achievements during the summer play scheme celebration event at Deeplish Community Centre on 24 August.

The certificates were awarded to children for their participation in performance, sports, best dresses and arts activities.

The children were very pleased to meet the Mayor and Mayoress, who signed their autographs on the papers and certificates.

Mayor Duckworth also spoke to volunteers and children about the play scheme programme and activities in the neighbourhood. The children were also given the opportunity to ask the Mayor some questions.

Attiya Malik, play scheme volunteer, said: “The children have participated in learning arts, developing circus skills, improving life skills and participating in leaning activities including trips and outdoor visits. They also enjoyed sports with Link4Life coaches, health sessions and working with ‘The Challenge’ volunteers and young people.

Councillor Mohammed Zaman commented: “It was good to see so many young people having a good time at Deeplish play scheme and giving positive feedback about activities organised throughout the play scheme, including a trip to light water valley, which most of them enjoyed very much.”

He added: “I very strongly felt that it was all down to good management and excellent team work. Thank you for providing an outstanding service to young people, keeping them occupied during school holidays and teaching them life skills.”

Councillor Alan Brett and Cllr Sameena Zaheer also spent time talking to children and finding out their views and stories during summer.

They said: “We thank the play scheme volunteers and all the staff involved for running the summer activities.”

Sohail Ahmad, manager of Deeplish Community Centre, said: “The play scheme is helping children and young people to become active citizens and involved in health and wellbeing activities.

"This year’s success play scheme has attracted children from diverse backgrounds, and we are proud of this year’s success and continue working with children and young people."

The play scheme promotes friendship and learning together whilst having fun in a safe and secure environment, in addition to positive activities for children, young people and parents to become more confident in supporting safer neighbourhoods. They work across other neighbourhoods where children and young people forge lasting relationship through sports, arts, and positive activities.

The play scheme is funded by BBC Children in Need and RADPAC, and was supported by Link4life, play scheme volunteers, and staff at Deeplish Community Centre.