One hundred and fifty Creative Play Packs will be distributed to babies, young children and their families in North, South and East Ayrshire this week.

The packs are part of a plan to inspire young ones during the summer.

They include a set of 20 Wee Inspiration idea cards and supporting resources from Starcatchers, Scotland’s National Arts and Early Years Organisation.

The aim is to encourage fun, creative play between adults and little ones during the next few months as lockdown eases.

The project builds on Starcatchers’ Wee Inspirations online programme which has been sharing low-stress ideas for families with young children to enjoy in lockdown.

The packs will be distributed locally by the Children 1st North Ayrshire Family Wellbeing Hub.

Leana Grant, Team Leader the Children 1st North Ayrshire Family Wellbeing Hub, said: “We are delighted to be part of this important partnership with Starcatchers to bring more creativity and fun into families’ lives this summer.

“The creative arts are a brilliant way to build the strong family relationships that are so important to babies and young children’s development and emotional wellbeing.

“Many children and their families are living with anxiety, loss or financial difficulties, so the Starcatchers play packs are an important way for them to connect and to have fun together during, what may be a strange and difficult summer.

“During the summer, Children 1st family support teams will explore the packs with children and their families through video call, or at a physical distance in the garden or in local parks.”

The 20 printed idea cards are complemented by a range of open-ended materials including arts materials and other ‘treasures’ to inspire imagination and new ideas.

Rhona Matheson, Chief Executive of Starcatchers, said: “When lockdown was first imposed we knew that, with less external support, many parents with little ones may feel isolated and stressed.

“That’s when fun, inspiration and being able to spend really positive time together is more important than ever.

“We hope these Creative Play Packs will provide exactly that this summer and reach families who have missed Wee Inspirations online.”