An after school retro games club will allow children from the Porthleven area to play and socialise with their peers. 

Porthleven pupils get into character at a Hogwarts fundraising extravaganza.

Overseen by Leigh Yates, the Academy Foundation charity (previously Porthleven PTA) supports 18 schools in Cornwall’s Porthleven area by providing clubs, activities and fundraising events that bring together kids and their families.

From Christmas grottos to cooking classes, the charity aims to improve the lives of young people in Cornwall, the third poorest county in Northern Europe. Leigh, who won a British Empire Medal last year in recognition of her fundraising efforts, listens to the pupils and puts on events that they want, ensuring every local pupil – some 4,500 – gets an invite to every single event.

The Academy Foundation is now setting up a fun after-school retro games club, and is calling upon the generous toy community to provide help in stocking up on toys and games.

Leigh says: “The club will encourage kids to play together, develop their social skills and just have fun. I’ve bought a football table, Twister, pool and air hockey table to make a start. We will open the club to all kids, and will also feed those who have challenging home situations and don’t get regular meals. Helston Community College is the main school we support, along 17 others, and with very little budget for toys I’m hoping for all the support we can get – any help would be greatly appreciated.”

To make the games club a reality, the charity requires toys and games suitable for a range of ages, and for both indoor and outdoor use. All will be put to very good use by the club and the kids that benefit from it; photos of the toys and games in action can also be provided on request.

To get in touch with Leigh, phone 07824 997674 or email leighyates@hotmail.co.uk.