Carving out some fun for families

With some of the carved pumpkins are, back from left, Isos community involvement officer John Temple, parent Lauren Cousins, Cestria community investment officer Paul Hadden, parent Amanda Adamson and Keane Boardman, with front from left, Bryce Gillespie, Lily Cousins, Groundwork project officer Karen Collins, Cohen Boardman and Paige Hughes.

The children at Pelton Fell, near Chester-le-Street, created spooktacular pumpkin lanterns during a Halloween party organised as part of a Play Together, Grow Together programme, which is supported by the Isos Housing Group.

The programme, organised by community regeneration charity Groundwork North-East and Cumbria, promotes active play sessions for five to seven-year-olds and their parents.

It was awarded a grant for £4,170 by Isos to support its active play days held during school holidays and monthly Grow Together, Eat Together sessions, which promote healthy eating by encouraging families to grow their own fruit and vegetables.

The free sessions have been proving popular with local families – many of them Isos and Cestria Community Housing tenants.

A six-week Let’s Play training course has helped local parents discover more about the benefits of play, arts, crafts and sports for their children and the youngsters have also taken part in activities promoting anti-bullying, respect and internet safety.

The Play Together, Grow Together programme is delivered in partnership with Pelton Fell Community Partnership from the Brockwell Centre.

l Pictured with some of the pumpkins are, back from left, Isos community involvement officer John Temple, parent Lauren Cousins, Cestria community investment officer Paul Hadden, parent Amanda Adamson and Keane Boardman, with front from left, Bryce Gillespie, Lily Cousins, Groundwork project officer Karen Collins, Cohen Boardman and Paige Hughes.