THE Welsh Government has today announced more than £35 million worth of support to help children and families emerge from coronavirus lockdown.

The announcement was made today, by deputy minister for social services Julie Morgan.

Ms Morgan said that the £36.6 million package of well-being support was part of this government’s commitment to support the people of Wales with the recovery from the pandemic.

"This government is committed to ensuring children and young people across Wales have the best start in life, and the opportunities to achieve their potential," she said.

"We have placed children’s rights at the heart of our response to the pandemic, providing support and opportunities for children and families within their community, childcare, play and education settings."

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Of the £36.6million package, £16.6million is scheduled to go to to support childcare and play settings, including Flying Start settings, with £5 million of that intended to support increased play opportunities.

This funding will be allocated via local authorities.  

The remaining £20 million will, through projects such as the Summer of Fun, provide more opportunities for children and young people aged up to 25 to develop their social, emotional and physical well-being.

Ms Morgan said: "It will provide opportunities to play, and to engage in social, cultural and physical activities outside of formal learning.  Activities will be available in both Welsh and English, across the whole of Wales."

Of the £20 million, £2.3 million will support activities being taken by museums, libraries, Sport Wales and Urdd Gobaith Cymru to enable the provision of activities.

"I will provide guidance alongside the funding to ensure we can all work towards to achieving the desired outcomes for our young people and their families," Ms Morgan said.

"The Children’s Commissioner for Wales providing a platform for all the information and the activity available for those aged zero–25 years from every community in Wales.

"This is our future generation and this government is committed to support and provide opportunities for our children and young people to improve their well-being for now and for their futures."