This coming weekend Frome will be all at play, with the return of the Frome Children's Festival in the centre of town, with activities and smiles a plenty all across the centre of town for children young and old and from every kind of background.

From zip wires, to BMX races, model making with the team behind Wallace and Gromit, to giant games and puzzles, but behind the scenes, all that play has a serious message and the team behind it are desperate to get the kind of funding they need to keep this, and all the other support work they do going.

One of those carrying the burden of the event and bringing together all the work that is being done to support young families, isolated adolescents, disadvantaged children and families, those with additional needs or mental health challenges and new comers to Frome, is Sue Willis, the Director of Purple Elephant. Frome Nub News met Sue, at the Welshmill playground, to learn more about all the hard work that goes into play time.

Whats to remember about the big load this Elephant carries

Sue explained how Purple Elephant, which is in the process of becoming a fully-fledged charity, is currently supported by grants from a wide variety of sources, including Frome Town Council, Somerset Community Foundation and the National Lottery. With outgoings of around £56,000 a year, and even with a bumper package of support from donations and volunteers, going forward funding is going to be a big issue.

" We work hard getting grant funding, and it is a constant effort to bring in the money and we are very aware that the organisations which help us, will themselves be facing financial strains, so nothing is certain. And the amount of work they are supporting is increasing all the time. So it is always a worry. We are in need of more local business sponsors and donors too.

" Yes it is about having fun and games for children, and playing is so important for a child's development, but we also do many other projects and support vulnerable children, throughout the year, in Frome in many other ways that people may not be aware of."

Fifty three year old Sue has been working for the past 16 in the children's sector, initially at the Key Centre in Frome and then joining in to work with the Children's Festival since 2014.

"It was working at the Key Centre made me realise just how much deprivation there is in Frome and just how many people struggle and all the ways they struggle. But importantly it made me realise how beneficial even small interventions can be."

How did the Festival begin ?

" I suppose as more of a fun day, and we did it on behalf of Young People Frome for the first couple of years, before we set up Purple Elephant in 2015. It has grown and it has developed and every year it has a theme, so this year there is a big emphasis on inclusion and accessibility. Not only is it for children, but we want it to be a project by children, so they drive the ideas, and this year they designed the T shirts for instance.

"Play is at the heart of what we do, so our really successful Toy Library is important - every child should be free to play. But it is also a service to that child, so that they are invited into the life that every small person should have, regardless of your family circumstances . The benefits of play are well documented, it brings on development skills, it encourages communication, it is on an emotional level good for growing minds but it also good for mental health."

Another part of their work is a scheme to help new parents in Frome who are struggling, to offer mentoring and support and in turn put them in touch with other organisations including Fair Frome who can help. Then there are the packs.

Help is at hand

During the Covid lockdowns Purple Elephant delivered over 1,000 packs of games, stationery, toys and books. Sue explained : " It was a way of connecting with families who were struggling at home, encouragement so that children and their families were supported as emotions and tensions started to impact people under pressure. It is tough being a parent and it is going to get even harder it is one way to help."

They now have Welcome Packs which have been delivered to Ukrainian children who have arrived in Frome.

They also have developed Positivity Packs - for any child who is needing some extra support with their mental health. Those contain well being journals and and a guide to exercises for mental health and, such a sweet idea, a Worry Pet, a small soft toy. Small things making a big impact.

They also offer a befriending service so that parents and families do not have to face what is undoubtedly going to be a very difficult time going forward with the cost of living crisis, for a friendly listening (and non judgmental) ear. They are always happy to hear from potential volunteers for this service as the numbers who are referred on for help are again increasing.

But all this work comes at a cost

" If we get charitable status it may get easier to get funding, " explained Sue. " Some organisations only want to give out grants to charities ( they are currently a Community Interest Company ) but what we really need is another great wonderful sponsor. Our primary sponsor this year is Tall Trees Kindergarten and we long for, and need, an additional business or organisation which could support what we do and allow us to plan ahead and be sure that it any work we start will continue. A huge, national sponsor would be wonderful of course, not just local firms who we know. And we would also welcome public donations, small regular monthly amounts, please. It can be very little, but like little interventions it can make a big difference.

" What we want is for all children in Frome to feel that they are included and that is what this festival is about. For all those families who can't afford an expensive day out, or a holiday.. so they can play along with everyone else. "