A MOTHER from Ellesmere Port is hoping her new group will provide children in the area with access to enjoyable after school sessions and opportunities to mix with others.

Kristen Vickers began 'Play in the Port' with her sister, Nikita, after finding that, with the exception of sports clubs, there was a lack of activity groups for her five-year-old son, Leo, to join.

A play support worker for children with special educational needs (SEN) and a mother of two young children, Kristen decided that she would put together sessions which focused on giving primary school children the chance to play and form friendships outside of school.

After several months of preparation including completing paediatric first aid courses and DBS checks, both Kristen and Nikita are excited to offer their community something different. The 26-year-old says that they received plenty of support from those in the area as they overcame several "hurdles" to make the group a reality.

Kristen, Co-owner of Play in the Port, said: "We had a fantastic response. We've had members of the community coming forward to donate items to get the group started, we've worked with West Cheshire Voluntary action and they've helped us to get funding and training.

"I want it to be a happy place where families can come and get stuck in. It's nice to be able to say that we're doing this to help and we both hope that it's a success."

The group will have a range of activities on offer from jigsaws puzzles to crafts and team building exercises and are raising funds for further resources for sports activities. They also hope to help children to socialise after a challenging few years.

"Particularly after Covid, everyone has been socially isolated," said Kristen. "I want to break down those barriers and get children together and mixing again. For myself, my little boy is five, he won't do anything if it involves other children. And for parents, it's been a lonely couple of years through Covid also."

Sessions for Play in the Port will begin at St. Thomas & All Saints Church Hall in Ellesmere Port tonight (Tuesday, July 4) at 3.30pm until 5.30pm. The sessions are walk-in with a small fee of £2.50 for the first and second child - those with three or more children will pay only £1 per child for each additional child.

Play in the Port will also be hosting a Family Fun Day at Hope Farm Methodist Church on Sunday, July 16 to raise further funds for the group.