Pool party marks milestone year for Blossom & Thrive

By Laura Linham 22nd Jul 2026

Local News by Laura Linham 1 hour ago

Children and families from Blossom & Thrive rounded off the school year with a pool party at Greenbank Pool. The celebration marked both the end of term and the group's first academic year supporting young people in the Glastonbury and Street area.

The bespoke community initiative launched at the start of the academic year in September and has steadily grown over the past 12 months. Since then, it has built a reputation for tailored support for home-educated children, young people with special educational needs, and those needing extra help with emotional wellbeing.

Founder Sarah Keele said the milestone had been an emotional one. She said: "To be celebrating our first academic year feels incredibly emotional. As a parent of a child with additional needs, I know first-hand how isolating it can feel when you're trying to find the right support, opportunities and community for your child.

"Blossom & Thrive was created from a desire to provide the kind of understanding, acceptance and connection that so many families are searching for. Looking around the pool and seeing children laughing, families connecting and friendships that have been built through our groups was a real pinch-me moment. I'm so proud of what we've achieved together in just one year."

Founded by Sarah, Blossom & Thrive focuses on helping children aged six to 16 develop confidence, resilience and emotional wellbeing through a range of personalised services. These include one-to-one mentoring, home education groups and specialist activities designed to provide a safe, welcoming environment where children can build friendships and develop social skills.

The organisation has also expanded its offer to include SEN Minecraft clubs. The sessions give children a supervised online space where they can socialise, work together on creative challenges and build confidence in a setting that suits them.

Sarah said the strongest part of the first year had been the community that has grown around the project. She said: "The thing I am most proud of isn't how much Blossom & Thrive has grown, but the community that has grown alongside it.

"We've welcomed families from all different backgrounds and circumstances, and it has been amazing to watch children who were once anxious, isolated or struggling with confidence begin to flourish in an environment where they feel safe, understood and valued.

"The support from local families has been incredible and I am so grateful that they have trusted me to be part of their journey."

She also thanked the volunteers who have helped the organisation through its first year. Sarah said: "I would also like to say a huge thank you to our amazing volunteers. They give up their time so generously, build meaningful relationships with the children and families, and go above and beyond to support everything we do.

"Blossom & Thrive simply would not be where it is today without their unwavering dedication, kindness and belief in our vision.

"We have exciting plans for the future, but at the heart of everything we do will always be creating opportunities for children and young people to feel they belong, build confidence and reach their full potential."

The end-of-term celebration gave children the chance to relax, have fun and mark everything they have achieved over the past school year before the summer break begins. For a group built around confidence, friendship and finding the right support, the pool party gave families a suitably joyful way to finish the year.

Blossom & Thrive serves families across Glastonbury and Street. More information about its services, availability and upcoming sessions can be found through the Blossom & Thrive Facebook page or by emailing [email protected].