Across February and March, the Parent Club ‘Play Talk Read’ double decker bus; Benji, visited a variety of sites across Lanarkshire.
The roadshow was supported by NHS Lanarkshire’s Health Improvement Team, who promoted the bus locations to local Lanarkshire parents and caregivers to hop on board with their little ones.
The bus included lots of free, fun activities for families to get involved in and play together, including Bookbug sessions, visits from local Police and Fire services, Childsmile as well as arts and crafts, messy play and lots of books!
Over 200 families attended this exciting, family event at their local area; across Craigneuk, Forgewood, Coatbridge and Moodiesburn.
Megan McNeil, Motherwell Health Improvement Practitioner, NHS Lanarkshire, said: “We were very excited to welcome Benji the Play Talk Read bus back to Lanarkshire.
“Locality health improvement teams worked with local community organisations to identify a location for the bus, and worked together with the Play Talk Read team to promote Benji’s visit to as many families as we could.
“We appreciate everyone chipping in to raise awareness of the event, as it led to over 200 families attending and enjoying a fun-filled day out. It was also a great opportunity for health improvement teams to speak to families about different health improvement topics and to promote Lanarkshire’s Vitamin D distribution scheme.
“It was great to see so many families come out and have a great day with all the activities on offer, with many asking when Benji will be back!
“We would love to welcome Benji back!”
Karin Thomson, community development assistant, Forgewood Community Centre, commented: “The Play Talk Read Bus visited Forgewood Community Centre where staff braved the cold weather to welcome a steady stream of parents and children for some fun time on the bus.
“Many left with works of art and some followed their visit to the bus with a spot of lunch in the All Stars Community Café within the community centre. Thanks again for having us as one of the venues for the bus.”
Iain Whyte, Glencassels Community Project, added: “It was great having a visit from the Play Talk Read bus, fire & rescue, Police Scotland and special guest Bookbug. All the families had a wonderful time and really hope for another visit from Benji in the future!”
