A HOUSING association stepped up to the plate like footballer and free meals campaigner Marcus Rashford to keep children on an estate fed over the half term break.

Cartrefi Conwy pledged to provide hot meals as part of the holiday activities organised by the Tŷ Llywelyn Youth Club on the Tre Cwm estate in Llandudno.

After the activities were curtailed by the Welsh Government’s firebreak lockdown, the organisation ensured the youngsters still received their free meals which they were able to collect as a takeaway every lunchtime thanks to the funding from Cartrefi.

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Pictured Millie Thomas. Picture Mandy Jones

Megan Eldon, Cartrefi Conwy’s Community Involvement Co-ordinator, said: “I’ve been working with the volunteers at the Tŷ Llywelyn Youth Club at the estate’s community centre who have been putting together a range of activities giving children something fun to do during the half-term break.

“But we felt it was important for the welfare of children attending the holiday club that they also got to enjoy a hot meal.

“Sadly, as we weren’t able to run the second week of activities as we had planned due to the Welsh Government restrictions, we decided to continue providing hot meals. Parents were contacted and given individual times when meals can be collected from the community centre.”

“It’s vital we look after children living on the Tre Cwm estate and getting a hot meal is something we felt was so important. We also have to thank Llandudno Lions who gave a cash donation toward the cost of the food."

Andrew Sturdy, a teaching assistant at Ysgol Craig y Don who also helps run the Tŷ Llywelyn Youth Club, helped run the Holiday Club.

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He said: “The half-term holiday club is really an extension of Tŷ Llywelyn Youth Club. It’s a chance for youngsters to get together and enjoy various activities whether it’s arts and crafts, kite making, video games or sports.

“When the weather is kind, we will play cricket, rounders, golf, dodge ball and sometimes football. We try to avoid football as the kids can play that anytime.

“We started the scheme in the summer holidays about three years ago and it’s proved a big hit. We are getting around 20 youngsters at each session.”

Keren Humphreys, who lives on the housing estate adjacent to Tre Cwm, volunteers as a cook at Tŷ Llywelyn Community Centre.

"It’s been great making meals for the youngsters," she said.

“Children can, if they wish, have a sandwich but we do prefer them to have a hot meal."