Genesis participant brightens lives of children

A CROSS Hands artist has brightened up the lives of children attending an Ammanford children’s centre.

Donna Grey, a participant of the Genesis project, has been hard at work painting child-friendly murals on the garden of Blaenau Children’s Centre.

The Carmarthenshire County Council-run facility provides residential respite care for children with learning disabilities.

The murals are a colourful addition to the garden, and depict the seasons of the year.

These, along with a new sensory garden – which includes a multi-access climbing frame with slide, a wheelchair accessible swing, trampoline and tunnels – make the external play area bright and inviting for the children.

Genesis is a European Social Funded project which aims to improve life for local families.

The Genesis Sir Gar team works with parents who are unemployed and economically inactive, with particular focus on lone parent families.

Estelle Etheridge-Lawrence, Genesis co-ordinator, said: “Donna joined the Genesis project since 2009, and the team has since supported her with mentoring, advice and guidance, as well as providing financial assistance for childcare so that she could access training and volunteering opportunities.

“We are delighted to see that Donna has used her skills and abilities to benefit the community in this way. This is a very positive outcome.”

Genesis can provide support through many avenues such as sign posting, advice and guidance, training, education, volunteering, childcare, self-esteem and confidence building, parenting, counselling and financial assistance to access training, employment, education and volunteering.

For further information contact the Genesis Sir Gar team on 01554 744340.