06/09/2022 - Bakers Dolphin helps provide summer smiles for schoolchildren
South West-based coach company Bakers Dolphin has helped provide miles of summer smiles for school children by once again working with education support business Elementa.
Together, they’ve helped children from 12 Weston-super-Mare primary schools enjoy
Around 35 children aged between 4 and 12 enjoyed excursions to places such as SS Great Britain, Redcatch Community Garden, West Country Water Park and Wild Place, among others.
Bakers Dolphin and Elementa are both based in Weston-super-Mare, and this is the second year they have worked together.
Elementa aims to help children experience a positive transition from one academic year to the next.
Founder and Managing Director Sarah Morrison said: “Our aim it to help and support children who, for various reasons, have had a tougher ride than others; all the children who took part were nominated by their schools”
“By enabling them to enjoy new and different experiences on this summer-long programme, we hope to help develop their confidence and inspire them to believe they can achieve more than they thought they could.”
The project focuses on healthy activities, promoting exercise, healthy food and looking after yourself, all of which can improve both the physical and mental health of those taking part. The project is funded from the Government HAF programme, delivered in partnership with North Somerset Council.
The children learned how a range of fruit and vegetables are grown as well as tasting them and learning to cook new recipes.
Sarah said: “Once again, it has been incredibly rewarding to see the transformation in the confidence, independence, and behaviour of the children who have joined us over the summer.
“We hope that their experiences with us will help smooth the transition on their return to school.
“Many of our activities needed transport, and once again Bakers Dolphin have been hugely supportive, responding flexibly to our needs.
“Nigel, our driver, was particularly brilliant and helped make the travelling to and from our activities another fun part of the whole experience.”
Amanda Harrington, Sales and Marketing Director at Bakers Dolphin, said: “It’s a pleasure to be involved in something which has such a positive impact on the lives of local children.
“They get to experience new things, learn some new lifeskills, make new friends and improve their self confidence and it’s great for us to be able to support such a scheme.”
The summer scheme was part-funded by the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, supported and facilitated by North Somerset Council. Elementa are increasing their work with local children this academic year with them opening an alternative education provision, with this in mind Elementa are looking forward to working with Bakers Dolphin ahead of next year’s project.
To find out more about Elementa, visit www.elementa.org.uk
For more information about Bakers Dolphin, visit www.bakersdolphin.com