CHILDREN enjoyed Barnardo’s first in-person event of the year at Town Gardens.

The charity organised an Easter egg hunt and quiz in a bid to build the confidence of youngsters after a year in and out of lockdown.

The activity was run in conjunction with South Swindon Parish Council. 

Youth worker Lisa Randall said: “To see these kids come together has been amazing. I’m really proud of them and it’s nice to see them out of the house. 

“The parish backed me and we followed all Covid restrictions, so we had to hold it over two days.”

Children had to find 21 clues around the park and piece them together to reveal four words.

Lisa added: “The difficult bit has been getting parents to encourage their kids to get out after being in the house for so long so they can go out of their comfort zone and gain confidence.  

“It just worked and children got fresh air and used their brain as well as got outdoors.”

Another event will take place in Queen’s Park tomorrow.

Ceslley Kaealisi, 13, said: “There is not much to do at the moment but this was our first activity so it gave us a reason to go outside which I enjoyed the most.”

Her seven-year-old brother Jayden added: “The Easter egg hunt was so fun and the best part was doing the clues, I would definitely do another.”

The outreach team are part of the Barnardo’s Swindon Trailblazer and Project Me, funded by the NHS. 

Outreach worker Tamara Howell said: “It’s the first week out and about as half have been working online so they’ve never met each other before. 

“It’s been great for their social interaction and working together with different age ranges. In what’s been a tough year, they can engage and chat as well as enjoy the nice weather.”

Her colleague Saxone Barton added: “It’s been really nice to work together collaboratively in the community. Young people have to be invited but it reaches out to different children and they have absolutely loved it."

“It makes them mindful and in the moment learning types of skills especially as there is not much going on for them right now apart from shops.” 

To find out more from the outreach team about the Barnardo’s Trailblazer - Project Me email Outreach.SwindonTrailblazer@barnardos.org.uk