Sutton Mencap has been providing children’s services for twenty years and this is the first year that the children have taken part in the Come and Play initiative over the summer months.

Aimed at children aged 4 to 14 years attending out of school clubs and holiday play schemes, Come and Play provides children who have had little access to music making out of school hours, with a unique opportunity to learn about the different aspects of music through creative and informal workshops, led by experienced musicians. The innovative programme is run by 4Children with support from Youth Music.

The musical workshops have been led by musicians from Traditional Arts Projects -TAPS and the informality of the workshops has enabled all of the children to participate. The musical element has provided a sensory experience for the children and encouraged them to communicate with their peers and playworkers through music.

“Come and Play has been a fantastic experience for the children as it is something that everyone can get involved in. Playing the instruments is a great way for the children to express themselves and communicate,” said Barbara Jones, Children’s Services Manager at Sutton Mencap.

Peter Garden, Head of Programmes at 4Children said, “Come and Play is reaching out to more children than ever before and we are delighted that the programme has been so well received by the children and playworkers at Sutton Mencap. Music is a great vehicle to develop children’s self esteem and confidence, which has been clearly illustrated at Sutton Mencap”.

For further information contact the Media Team at 4Children on 020 7512 2112

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