CLOWNS has a new community play co-ordinator, Suzanne Richards, who is determined to develop activities that will “cement positive lifestyle habits” across West Somerset.

Over the past ten years, she has worked in the district to provide a wide range of activities from trampolining groups, setting up gymnastic clubs, providing Inset activity days and play schemes.

She has also introduced ‘wake and shake’ to school assemblies and organised and managed transition events for year four children going from primary to middle schools. 

Suzanne, a mother of two, teaches gymnastics, fundamentals, balanceability, Wake and Shake, orienteering, indoor cycling, kettlercise, circuits and fitness, among other activities.  

In her new role, she will work towards co-ordinating all local activities and signposting families and children.

“I don’t want children and families to miss out because we live in a rural location,” she said.

“West Somerset can easily get overlooked if we don’t fight for it. It is an amazing area but does have additional challenges and barriers. 

“The project will also work towards developing activities in order to enhance the children’s and families’ lives and hope to cement positive lifestyle habits that will increase children’s attainment and aspirations.

“I have worked over the last ten years in West Somerset. If I make just a small difference to one child’s day, change the attitude of a parent/carer or help a family to reconnect then to me that is a great day.

“I feel I help strike the balance between the business needs to balancing the community needs. I like a challenge and overcoming barriers and will work hard for West Somerset in this new role.”