Child-Friendly Medway Seventh City Hall: Wizard of Oz Performance
 Medway Council Chief Executive Richard Hicks introducing the Child-Friendly Medway City Hall Q & A.
On Thursday, 30 May, Child-Friendly Medway hosted our biggest City Hall yet, with 284 children, young people and families for a special Q & A with Leader of Medway Council, Councillor Vince Maple and Chief Executive, Richard Hicks, followed by a performance of the Wizard of Oz by Elite Dance Company.
There truly is no place like home, and it was wonderful to hear from the children and young people what they love about living in Medway - from our parks and castles to our Child-Friendly Medway activities and events!
We were joined by Medway Adult Education, Medway Youth Service, Medway Sport and the NHS, who provided a range of activities, information on their services and some free giveaways.
Children and young people asked a range of questions, about swimming, bus travel, art and science and engineering, with one parent sharing with us that "their son attends Child-Friendly Medway's Drop-In Football in partnership with Medway Sport at Strood Sports Centre on Friday nights, he really enjoys it and feels safe there".
Children, young people and families enjoyed photo opportunities with Wizard of Oz themed backdrops, including the yellow-brick road and a rainbow balloon arch, cardboard cut-outs, and Toto the dog! Attendees could also help themselves to refreshments such as fruit platters and pizza. Children, young people and families could also enter into a prize draw to win Arriva bus day passes.
All children received a free book from 'The Wizard of Oz' book series as part of our 'For the Love of Reading' initiative, encouraging children and young people to develop a passion for reading and getting more books into more homes.
After the Q & A, it was time for the show to begin...with Dorothy rushing onto the stage with Toto by her side, we were transported into the wonderful world of 'The Wizard of Oz'.
If you have any photos from our ‘Child-Friendly Medway City Hall #7: Wizard of Oz Performance’ that you would like to share with us, please tag @childfriendly on Instagram, Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
Kent Police visit Drop-In Football
Kent Police Officer at our Drop-In Football session at Strood Sports Centre.
Our Free Drop-In Football is for ages ranging from 6 to 16 years old, that happen every Friday at Strood Sports Centre, from 5pm to 8pm. Week on week, hundreds of children and young people attend, to have a kick-about and enjoy time with friends.
Recently, we had a drop-in football session like not no other! Two officers from Kent Police, PC Dearing and PC Finn, joined the coaches, children and young people.
When the young footballers saw the police there, they wondered what had happened, and were relieved to find out that the police were only there to play a game of footie!
Head Coach Dan explained to the children and young people that Drop-In Football sessions are funded by the Kent Police and Crime Commissioners fund, to improve community safety, tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB), and to provide young people with positive opportunities.
It was a momentous occasion to see the young people break into a round of applause. One young person at Drop-In Football commented that the police are "really nice people that are helping kids like us have these things" and that it was "cool to see the police join the session", while a parent shared that the police attending created "good public relations".
These sessions have a positive impact on mental health and building relationships, giving young people somewhere to go after school, starting their weekend in a positive and fun way.
Health and Wellbeing Storytime and Snacks
 Medway Oral Health team talking to families about oral hygiene and wellbeing.
Child-Friendly Medway hosted a special oral health and wellbeing themed story time and snacks as part of National Smile Month and following on from Maternal Mental Health Week.
Children enjoyed stories such as ‘Croc goes to the Dentist’ and ‘No Matter What, You Are Loved’, followed by some healthy snacks and messy crafts!
Children said that they ‘loved’ the craft, which involved using toothbrushes and paint to colour in pictures of teeth.
Partners from Medway Public Health joined Child-Friendly Medway, including the Medway Bump Club, who spoke to families about their services and activities, such as ‘Wellness Walks’ for expectant and new parents, and the Oral Health Team, who informed families about the importance of brushing teeth, and gave away free toothbrushes, toothpaste and sticker charts.
Our Storytime and Snacks sessions take place once a month at Sun Pier House in Chatham.
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