NORTH WALES Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Andy Dunbobbin visited Your Community, Your Choice winners Blossom & Bloom in Rhyl to see first-hand how money seized from criminals is being reinvested to support families across Denbighshire and Conwy.
Your Community, Your Choice is funded through a combination of money recovered under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) and PCC funding. Successful projects are determined by public vote and supported by the PCC, North Wales Police and the North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT).
Blossom & Bloom, a registered charity based at the White Rose Centre in Rhyl, is delivering Blossom & Play, a free weekly programme designed to tackle parental isolation, improve wellbeing, and support early childhood development.
Since receiving funding in April, Blossom & Bloom Founder Vicky Welsman, alongside two trained session facilitators, has been delivering weekly sessions providing targeted support for parents and children aged 0 to 3. The programme will continue until September 2026.
During a visit on July 15, the Commissioner, alongside Head of Local Policing Jacqueline Downes spent time with parents and their children at a weekly playgroup delivered in partnership with Rhyl-based Little Movers, a preschool dance and movement company founded by Cara Bassi for children under seven. They spoke with attendees about the importance of services that support families within their communities and the positive impact they can have.
The PCC was told of growing levels of parental isolation, limited support networks, and financial hardship. He also heard of increased vulnerability associated with domestic abuse and trauma. Through its weekly sessions, Blossom & Bloom provides valuable support to families, helping to address these challenges by strengthening resilience, and improving overall wellbeing.
Vicky Welsman, Founder of Blossom & Bloom said: “We are incredibly grateful to have received funding through Your Community, Your Choice, which has enabled us to launch Blossom & Play and provide free support for families across Denbighshire and Conwy.
“Many parents with young children experience feelings of isolation, loneliness, and a lack of confidence, particularly when facing financial pressures or difficult life circumstances. Through these sessions, we are creating welcoming and supportive spaces where families can connect, build friendships and access activities that promote both parental wellbeing and early childhood development.”
The PCC commended the charity for its ability to build strong partnerships within the community, bringing together a range of organisations to help improve the lives of local people.
PCC Dunbobbin said: “What is particularly impressive about Blossom & Bloom is the way it has developed strong and meaningful partnerships with organisations such as Little Movers, Denbighshire Leisure, Queen’s Market and Flying Start.
“By working collaboratively, these organisations are helping to ensure families can access the support, opportunities, and connections they need to thrive.
“Blossom & Bloom is making a real difference in the lives of parents and families, and this work aligns closely with the priorities set out in my Police and Crime Plan.
“By providing early intervention, strengthening family resilience, and encouraging positive community engagement, Blossom & Bloom is helping to prevent problems from escalating, support vulnerable people and contribute to safer, stronger neighbourhoods.”
Head of Local Policing Jacqueline Downes said: “Policing cannot tackle the issues that affect communities on its own.
“We know that early support for families and parents can help reduce vulnerability, build resilience, and prevent problems from escalating later in life. The partnership approach demonstrated by Blossom & Bloom is particularly encouraging.
“By bringing together local organisations to support families, the project is helping to strengthen community connections and ensure that people can access the right support, at the right time, in the right place.”
PACT Chairman Ashley Rogers commented: “The early years are such an important stage in a child’s development, and supporting parents during this time can make a significant difference to the whole family.
“It is fantastic to see funding generated through the Proceeds of Crime Act being reinvested into initiatives like Blossom & Play that help people feel supported, connected, and empowered within their communities.”
Over the past 13 years, Your Community, Your Choice has awarded over £700,000 to 234 projects that help reduce crime in local neighbourhoods and support the priorities set out in the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan.
Click here to learn more about North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT).
To learn more about Blossom & Bloom, visit Well-being Hub Rhyl – Blossom & Bloom
