Last autumn, we were excited to pilot our much-loved ROAM-IN sessions at Martineau Gardens. It was a big transition, moving from our familiar space at Kingswood Meeting House, but we hoped this beautiful new setting would offer even more opportunities for the children and families who attend.
And what a fantastic new home it has turned out to be!
Martineau Gardens provides a welcoming, accessible space for our families. The sessions take place when the gardens are closed to the public, ensuring a safe and calm environment. The children have embraced the change, and it’s been heartwarming to watch them discover and explore new areas. The firepit has been a particular highlight! !
What the children are loving about Martineau Gardens:
- The firepit – building, lighting, and toasting marshmallows
- New areas to explore, from winding paths to hidden corners
- Learning new skills, including using tools and discovering more about the natural world
And from a practicality point of view, we are thrilled to be able to run sessions at a site that is easily accessible through public transport meaning we can reach even more families.
A parent recently shared, ‘It’s a wonderful new site with more to engage my child.’ Another told us, ‘It’s a lovely space for my son to explore.’
Supporting Every Child
During each session we try to ensure that there are activities for every child’s needs and preferences.. Some children need the space to run, others need a quiet moment to regulate, and some need the comfort of familiar routines.
Watching the children grow in confidence has been a privilege. Recently, many of the children have been learning to light fairy fires, and have been joining in at the firepit – helping to cook their snack and putting the fire out.
The ROAM-IN Community
It’s not just the children who benefit from ROAM-IN – our families do too. We know that parents and siblings need just as much support, whether it’s a space to chat, a moment of respite, or simply a hot cup of coffee while their child plays safely.
Many of our families say that ROAM-IN is something they look forward to all week – a chance to reset, connect, and be understood without judgment. Parents laugh and chat together, supporting one another through shared experiences. This community is what makes ROAM-IN so special.
Volunteers
As always, we are working hard to ensure that every child and family receives the support they need. Moving to Martineau Gardens has been a success, but it has also brought new challenges. The site is larger, and we need more hands to help provide the right level of support for all our children.
To make this happen, we urgently need more volunteers. If you could give some of your time to support our ROAM-IN sessions, please email sarah@roam.org.uk – we’d love to hear from you!
Looking Ahead
ROAM-IN continues to provide a much-needed space for children and families to play, explore, and connect. As we settle into our new home at Martineau Gardens, we’re excited to see how the sessions continue to evolve.
A huge thank you to everyone who has supported this transition – from the families who have embraced the change, to our fantastic session leaders.. ROAM-IN is, and always will be, about play, community and inclusivity.