Children's Fund money has enabled Janet Timmins, Teacher Advisor for Traveller Education, and Sam Wilson, Traveller Project Worker, to work more effectively alongside children from the two Gypsy sites in Hart and housed Gypsies in Yateley.

We have used the money to fund weekly visits by The Forest Bus which has enabled us to run after school type activities, and enabled visits from other agencies.

This has opened up better communication between the families and so has had far reaching effects on increased use of local facilities, for example, Yateley Library, Citizen's Advice Bureau, Schools, Youth Service, and improved access to health care for the whole family.

The Fund has been used to resource and provide training for Sam Wilson and given him the opportunity to arrange new experiences for a number of Gypsy children. For example, a pantomime visit and a trip to Paultons Park.

Thanks to the Children's Fund we have been able to ease the transition from junior to secondary school, funding individuals' P.E. equipment and clothing, books including culturally inclusive material for use in their schools throughout Hampshire.

Following the success of a specialist worker with Gypsies in Hart, the Children's Fund has meant we have been able to recruit additional support for those Gypsy children with special needs in 5 schools. email swilson@hartvolaction.org.uk 01252 815652 or Call the Forest Bus on: 023 80 663866

The Forest Bus - Access to Play

Access to Play delivers community development in designated areas with a focus upon 5 -13 years. Children’s Fund has enabled a Play Development worker to be employed who coordinates a programme of play activities in striving areas across the New Forest.

The project is part of the Forest Bus organisation, a community project providing play opportunities to communities.

The mobile project provides after school, holiday activities and festival events. Last years festival attracted hundreds of children and families including many from hard-to-reach groups in the New Forest area.

The project is delivering play opportunities to approximately 300 children at any one time although the total number of children who accessed the service across quarter 2 was 800.

Approximately 50 families have regular contact with the project on an ongoing basis and some are involved as project volunteers.

The project as part of the Voice of the Child provides consultation programmes developing communication and influence feedback. Young people and their families have raised their self-esteem and are being signposted to agencies for support where appropriate.

In year two the project will aim to develop services, which provide access to play.

The feedback and evaluation is ongoing and forms a central part of encouraging young peoples participation.

Check out the bus timetable at www.forestbus.co.uk

Call Tony Bostock on 01794 519998 or email tony.bostock@hants.gov.uk for more information on Hampshire Children’s Fund projects in South West Hants.