- 03/10/2013
- Posted by: Mike Hedges MS
- Categories: Latest News, Press Releases
Swansea East AM Mike Hedges has today praised a Swansea voluntary group for the work they are doing to better their local community and neighbourhood.
The Hafod Interactive Parent and Play Opportunities group, known locally as HIPPO, is a group of committed mums determined to give their local community the best possible play opportunities available to help benefit the lives of children and parents living in the Hafod.
The group was first formed by the Welsh Government-sponsored Communities First Programme, in conjunction with local mums and community activists, and has gone from strength to strength since being set-up.
Over the summer holiday period, the HIPPO group organised a number of community focused fetes, crafts and fun days at the Hafod Community Centre for local parents and residents to take part in. Most recently, the group organised a community fete on Saturday 28th September, where over £300 was raised to plough back into future community events and activities.
Speaking about the HIPPO group after visiting their community fete, local AM Mike Hedges said:
“Voluntary groups like HIPPO really are the bread and butter in communities. We all want to make our streets and neighbourhoods a better place for our children, families and friends, and that’s just what the HIPPO group is doing.
“The group have achieved an incredible amount within such a short space of time thanks to the work and dedication of a committed group of local mums, who deserve recognition for their selfless efforts.”
Local Hafod Councillor Beverly Hopkins added:
“I feel extremely proud of the hard work and dedication this small group of mums have put into HIPPO. They clearly identified there were limited play activities for children within the area, especially during school holidays, and worked hard to provide fun activities for the local children.
“I’ve attended many of their events and it’s wonderful to see the community pulling together. I know the mums personally and just wanted to thank them for their hard work on behalf of the community.”
