Save New Ark

Hi, I am Dawn, the fundraising coordinator for New Ark Play Association, a local charity making a big difference to children's lives.

Like many organisations, New Ark has been hit hard by Covid 19 and the subsequent restrictions and lockdowns. All aspects of our childcare and support provision had to close, although we continued to care for the welfare of our animals on our city farm. As a charity, we rely heavily on volunteers’ assistance, donations and our fundraising events, which we have been unable to hold for two years. We were also reliant on significant funding from Peterborough City Council, which they have regrettably now withdrawn in full. Inflationary pressures plus the energy crisis, which has seen our bills rise to thousands of pounds per month, has put us under considerable financial pressure.

New Ark has been bringing joy to the children of our community for more than forty years, and we want to secure its future for many more years to come. We urgently need funds to keep New Ark viable and a source of enjoyment, enrichment and happiness for many future generations of children. Please contribute to our cause.

Our ethos

We believe very strongly in children’s right to play and know from experience that children need play opportunities that encourage exploration, adventure and enterprise. Having enough time and space for play increases children’s health and happiness.

What we do

We aim to provide stimulating play opportunities for children of all ages and employ professional playworkers to run our Parent and Toddler Group, Preschool, After-school Club and Holiday Club, supporting local families.

• The preschool also cares for up to 40 children at any one time. Children learn from birth and develop and learn at a rapid pace in their early years. The preschool provides a stimulating environment to provide care and education of children from two years nine months onwards, emphasising their health, development, and learning.

• The holiday clubs keep up to 90 children entertained, energised, and active and with smiles on their faces across the year. They benefit from access to the farm and the outside adventure playground.

• The after-school care provides an invaluable service to working parents for up to 30 children each evening, 24 of whom are personally escorted safely from the school to the welcoming arms of New Ark each evening. That’s over 4500 accompanied trips a year!!!

• We are incredibly proud of our innovative Play Support Service offering, which receives referrals from 20 local primary and secondary schools to work with children aged 4-16 who are unable to cope in school and are at risk of exclusion. Many of the children referred to us have experienced trauma, and they often present with neurodiversity factors that compromise their ability to manage strong feelings positively. New Ark provides a therapeutic environment that boosts children’s emotional wellbeing and promotes resilience and effective coping strategies. Our alternative outdoor curriculum is very popular with the children, and our child-centred approach to learning epitomises our core values and beliefs that every child matters.

• Our City Farm is enjoyed by all children and young people who come to New Ark and houses up to 20 different animal species on their city farm with up to 85 guests in residence at any time. Everything from turkeys, pigs, sheep, ducks, and ponies are rescued and lovingly cared for at the facility 365 days a year!

• An army of volunteers helps keep the farm going, supporting cleaning, feeding, maintenance and care of the animals. Over 1000 volunteer sessions a year with individuals giving up their time, love and attention. Many of these volunteers come with emotional or mental health issues. The work experience delivers positive outcomes, which has led to doors opening for some into long-term employment in the animal sector.

• We also cater for group visits from several local schools, including weekly visits from many special schools. We provide opportunities for 400 young people to undertake Princes Trust activities, and over 50 young people have benefitted from Duke of Edinburgh enrichment activities at Newark. On top 60 Animal Care student work placements are run on behalf of local colleges.

• We also provide animal care courses, social mornings for adults with additional needs, and volunteering opportunities. New Ark is a place where children and adults of all ages and abilities can develop skills and increase their confidence.

Every penny counts, so please donate whatever you can. If you cannot donate but want to support in other ways, don't hesitate to contact us. Thank you