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Local airline Blue Islands has teamed up with three Guernsey charities and Paultons Park to fly children and young people who access their services to make memories at the theme park which will last a lifetime.
Hampshire-based Paultons Park was recently voted the UK’s best-rated amusement park for the second year running in TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards. Paultons Park – home of Peppa Pig World and Lost Kingdom – has more than 70 rides and attractions for children and young people from Wigwam Support Group, The Youth Commission for Guernsey and Alderney and The HUB to enjoy.
The charities are travelling courtesy of Blue Islands to and from Guernsey to Southampton and 36 people in total will get the chance to experience this fabulous theme park.
Rob Veron, Blue Islands CEO says: “As a Channel Islands based airline, Blue Islands is proud to partner with these hard-working Guernsey charities which make such a positive difference to the lives of children and young people, to provide what promises to be an exciting and unforgettable day for such worthy groups. We look forward to hearing all about their adventures.”
Stephen Lorton, Paultons Park commercial director says: “We’re very pleased to be working with Wigwam Support Group, The Youth Commission and The HUB service, in partnership with Blue Islands, to help facilitate the children and young people’s visit to Paultons Park. This opportunity gives deserving young people of all abilities the opportunity to just be a child for the day and have some fun.”
Andy Graham, Wigwam Support Group Operations Manager says this had been an “unexpected and very welcome” bonus to the charity’s calendar, and they decided to invite members who may not otherwise have the opportunity to enjoy an off island experience.
“Wigwam Support Group is a local charity providing friendship, support and advice to families of children and young people with additional needs. This is provided in three ways, through a bespoke Family Support Service providing support directly to individual families, through group events for children and young people as well as their families and advocating for member families either as a 'collective voice' or on individual cases.”
The Youth Commission is an independent local charity responsible for the delivery and co-ordination of all forms of youth and support work in the Bailiwick. Aaron Davies, Youth Commission community youth work lead said they were “delighted and grateful to be working with Blue Islands on this fantastic initiative to provide young people with an opportunity they might not otherwise receive.”
“This brilliant project not only provides our young people with an opportunity to gain experience outside of island life but to also have a memorable and fun day at a theme park. We’re extremely appreciative to Blue Islands for thinking of The Youth Commission and ultimately helping us to enhance the lives of the young people we work with.”
The HUB, a service delivered by The Youth Commission, supports young people in a safe and confidential environment, and senior project worker Rosie Williams says many come from complex backgrounds and are in vulnerable situations.
“By giving some of the young people who use The HUB service the opportunity to go to Paultons Park, it will be a completely new and exciting experience for them as for many this will be the first time they have experienced off island travel. We are so grateful for the support of Blue Islands for this exciting opportunity.”
Southampton Airport is covering the cost of coach travel to and from the park.
