THE CHILDREN’S Commissioner for Wales, Rocio Cifuentes, has joined pupils at Ffaldau Primary School in Pontycymmer for an Action for Children Bouncing Back session, a programme designed to support young people’s mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Bouncing Back helps children and young people build resilience, develop coping strategies, and improve confidence through interactive activities and guided discussions. During the visit, the Commissioner saw first-hand how the initiative is making a positive impact on pupils’ lives.
Following the session, the Commissioner met with Action for Children staff to learn more about the charity’s wider work across Wales, including family support, fostering, and services for children with disabilities. The discussion also included Action for Children’s recently launched manifesto for children and families in Wales, which sets out key priorities for improving outcomes and tackling challenges facing young people today.
Ms Cifuentes said: “It was a pleasure to see the Bouncing Back programme in action and to see an example of one of the important services that Action for Children Cymru provide in Wales.
“I also thank Action for Children Cymru for the informative meeting to learn more about their policy work and manifesto calls.
“I look forward to working with them, as well as the wider children’s sector, to ensure that the next Welsh Government prioritises children and young people and enables them to thrive.”
Laurie Ryall, Action for Children Wales Director, added: “We were delighted to welcome the Children’s Commissioner to see our Bouncing Back programme in action.
“Mental health support for children is more important than ever, and Bouncing Back gives children the tools they need to thrive.
“It was also a valuable opportunity to share our manifesto and discuss how we can work together to ensure every child in Wales has the best start in life.”
