The National Children of Wales Awards are thrilled to be supporting The Bluestone Foundation - a foundation that works with several children’s charities to support children and their families in Wales.

The Bluestone Foundation has funded The Tanyard Youth Project. This Project was established as a charity in 2005, and aims to provide a safe, welcoming and supportive environment for the children and young people of Pembroke and its surrounding areas.

Situated in an area that is high on the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivations, the Project provides five drop-in sessions a week, aiming to allow young people to make positive and constructive use of their leisure time.

Those working in these drop-in sessions also provide young people with information, advice and support on a wide range of issues that affect them.

The Tanyard Project provides young people with the opportunity to develop a variety of skills, including arts and crafts, sports and games, drama, cooking, music, film making, and the opportunity to achieve a Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Practical help is also provided, offering assistance with IT skills, CV writing, job applications, revision, and homework.

When school is in session, the Project helps pupils in years five and six with the tricky transition to senior school. This is done through classes centred on confidence and improved social interaction.

The Tanyard Project also helps teenagers by offering work experience placements. This is excellent experience, gives young people a chance to update their CVs, and provides them with something valuable to do with their time.

A successful application to the Bluestone Foundation has secured an Autistic Spectrum Condition Youth Outreach Worker to plan and lead weekly sessions for children and young people with extra-curricular education and leisure activities.

This will help children with learning difficulties fully engage with the fun and games at the Project.

The Bluestone Foundation, founded in Pembrokeshire, works with several children’s charities to support children and their families in Wales. It offers respite for the families of children that need intensive caring, and supports families going through incredibly difficult times.