NEW members at Barrow Park Leisure Centre provided a sweet treat for parents and children being supported by Family Action Barrow.

Anyone signing up to join the Greengate Street centre in early April was given their first month’s membership free if they donated a decent-sized Easter egg to the charity.

Dozens of eggs have been handed to Family Action Barrow’s child and family support service based at the Ormsgill Family Hub on Millstone Avenue in Barrow.

Maggi Coote, Child and Family Co-ordinator, said: “We were thrilled to receive the generous donation of Easter eggs for us to pass on to the families we work with. It allowed us to provide a sweet treat for families who may otherwise not have been able to afford to treat their own children or those they care for.”

Some of the eggs also went to the 50 children who attended Barrow Park’s Easter sports camp courtesy of Family Action Barrow, which secured funding for them to attend via the government’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme for children eligible for free school meals. It not only provided the youngsters with a fun-packed time, but included a free lunch each day too.

Maggi adds: “This provision allows for children to access many new activities, learn new skills and develop their social interactions by forming new friendships and enhancing self-esteem and confidence.

“We are grateful to the Barrow Park Leisure Centre staff who support the children we work with during their half-term camps over Easter, and during the summer and Christmas holidays.”

A national charity, Family Action transforms lives by providing practical, emotional and financial support to those who are experiencing poverty, are socially disadvantaged and experiencing social isolation.

Barrow Forward Limited, a local authority trading company owned by Barrow Borough Council, began managing operations at Barrow Park Leisure Centre earlier this year.

Aidan Murphy, Barrow Forward’s Operations Manager, said: “We pride ourselves on our family-friendly approach and it is a pleasure to help and support a well-deserving cause such as Family Action Barrow, both through our donation of Easter eggs and at our multi-sports camps.

“We are working hard at cementing Barrow Park Lesiure Centre in its rightful place in our community as the leading health and fitness hub providing facilities, activities and classes for all ages and abilities.”