July 21, 2026 - 210 views
A Rhyl charity helping parents and young children overcome isolation and improve wellbeing has welcomed a visit from North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin after securing funding through the Your Community, Your Choice initiative.
Blossom & Bloom, based at the White Rose Centre in Rhyl, is using funding generated from money seized from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act, alongside support from the Police and Crime Commissioner, to deliver its new Blossom & Play programme.
The free weekly sessions are designed to support parents and children aged from birth to three years old, helping families build confidence, develop support networks and improve wellbeing. The programme launched in April and will continue until September 2026.
During a visit on July 15, Mr Dunbobbin and North Wales Police Head of Local Policing Jacqueline Downes met parents and children taking part in a weekly playgroup run in partnership with Rhyl-based preschool dance and movement company Little Movers.
The visit highlighted the challenges many families face, including parental isolation, financial hardship and the impact of domestic abuse and trauma. Organisers say the sessions provide a welcoming environment where parents can connect with others, access support and take part in activities that encourage healthy child development.
Blossom & Bloom founder Vicky Welsman said the funding had enabled the charity to provide vital support to families across Denbighshire and Conwy.
She said: “Many parents with young children experience feelings of isolation, loneliness and a lack of confidence, particularly when facing financial pressures or difficult life circumstances.
“Through these sessions, we are creating welcoming and supportive spaces where families can connect, build friendships and access activities that promote both parental wellbeing and early childhood development.”
Mr Dunbobbin praised the charity's collaborative approach, highlighting partnerships with organisations including Little Movers, Denbighshire Leisure, Queen’s Market and Flying Start.
He said: “Blossom & Bloom is making a real difference in the lives of parents and families, and this work aligns closely with the priorities set out in my Police and Crime Plan.
“By providing early intervention, strengthening family resilience and encouraging positive community engagement, Blossom & Bloom is helping to prevent problems from escalating, support vulnerable people and contribute to safer, stronger neighbourhoods.”
Chief Superintendent Jacqueline Downes said supporting families at an early stage can help reduce vulnerability and strengthen communities.
She added: “Policing cannot tackle the issues that affect communities on its own. We know that early support for families and parents can help reduce vulnerability, build resilience and prevent problems from escalating later in life.”
PACT Chairman Ashley Rogers said it was encouraging to see money recovered through the Proceeds of Crime Act being reinvested into projects that benefit local communities.
Over the past 13 years, the Your Community, Your Choice scheme has awarded more than £700,000 to 234 projects across North Wales, supporting initiatives aimed at reducing crime and improving community wellbeing.
