Fireman Sam was on hand to welcome local children and families to the opening of the new Galafield Community Café in Newbiggin Hall, Newcastle, and celebrate the partnership between Action for Children and the Fireman Sam brand.
Fireman Sam greeted the children and shared the new Light Up Your Hero Training Manual with each of them before sitting down for themed lunch and the chance to make paper fire helmets with a local artist.
The Galafield Community Centre has been a part of the community of Newbiggin Hall for more than 30 years – offering targeted support including parent support groups, employment advice, access to adult learning, family fun days and a foodbank.
Throughout the pandemic, the Galafield support team ensured the local community continued to receive help, delivering food parcels, advice, support and care. The team also delivered activity packs supported by video workshops for arts, crafts, music and dance.
The charity will deliver face-to-face services in the new community café, including youth club sessions with Inspire Youth; a women’s wellbeing morning; No Frills Parenting with top tips for families; and special sessions for children with autism. There will also be more arts and crafts sessions with a new artist in residence.
Val Hobson, family practitioner lead at Action for Children in Newcastle, said: “I am so proud of the Galafield family practitioners and their incredible effort during the pandemic and their continued commitment to support our vulnerable families – they are true heroes”.
