This summer has been one of the most joyful and memorable yet for SASS and the Welcome to Play team. Thanks to the support of Swansea Council COAST funding (Creating Opportunities Across Swansea Together) and the generosity of local organisations, children, parents, and volunteers enjoyed a wide range of exciting activities throughout the summer holidays.

Highlights included visits to Swansea Community Farm, Rhossili Bay, the Singleton Boating Lake, LC2, Circus Eruption, Pop Cycle, Super Bowl, and even Ninja Warrior! One parent shared:

“This kind of activity makes kids feel confident; it improves their physical strength and also teaches them to help each other. For parents, they’re happy to watch our kids enjoying places like this, because sometimes we really can’t afford it. Everyone feels included and no one is left behind.”

We also joined in community events like National Play Day and the Police Community Fun Day, and enjoyed relaxing family time at Swansea Vue Cinema, who kindly donated tickets and offered discounted prices. One family told us:

“It was a great opportunity for our family to go to the cinema with SASS today. This is our first time attending the cinema with our kids. We had so much fun and the kids were happy with the snacks provided. These activities are really important and contribute to the wellbeing of the asylum seekers. Please keep up the great work. You made our day.”

Our Mothers & Daughters Wellbeing Day was particularly special, where over 40 women and girls enjoyed massages, Zumba, henna, facials, make-up, manicures, and bracelet-making. It was a wonderful chance to relax, connect, and celebrate the bond between mothers and daughters.

We want to give a huge thank you to the organisations and staff who made this summer so special – especially Swansea Vue Cinema, Singleton Boating Lake staff, and the staff at Ninja Warrior – for their kindness, warm welcome, and generous offers of free and discounted tickets.

As parents told us:

“This was the best summer SASS has provided”
“You’re always there for me and my family. That’s why I feel like SASS is my second home.”

None of this would have been possible without the dedication and kindness of our incredible Welcome to Play team, the support of our volunteers and funders, and the enthusiasm of the families who joined us!