A Cwmbran teenager has given the new rebound therapy room at the Serennu Children’s Centre her seal of approval.

Cerys Barton, 16, a pupil at Crownbridge School in Cwmbran, was there as Julie Morgan MS, the deputy minister for social services, officially opened the facility in Rogerstone last Thursday  (6 July).

The new facility features included trampolines and boulders to support children and young people with disabilities or developmental difficulties. Rebound therapy uses bounce, momentum, and rhythm from the trampoline to help the user move on their own without support.

The bouldering wall, interactive lighting and floor graphics complete the facilities. Hoists ensure that the activities are accessible to all users.

Claire Barton, Cerys’ mum, said: “Cerys has attended Serennu for many years, enjoying play club and skills sessions when she was younger to youth club and independent living skills sessions now she’s older. She has also been on a few residential trips with the Sparkle team, taking part in activities such as canoeing and rock climbing.

“She has made lots of friends over the years and we can’t thank the Sparkle team enough for giving Cerys the opportunity to take part in many activities she wouldn’t otherwise have access to and the encouragement to work independently and as a team with her peers.”

This project was jointly funded by Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB) and Sparkle, the Gwent charity which supports children with disabilities and developmental difficulties and their families.

Dr Sabine Maguire, Sparkle founder and trustee, said: “We were very excited to share our new rebound and bouldering facility with an interactive music experience for children with disability and developmental difficulties with the deputy minister Julie Morgan.

“This fantastic facility was jointly funded by Sparkle and the Welsh Government through the ICF. This has given tremendous opportunities to our children and young people to improve their balance, coordination and skills”.