Port of Milford Haven & Bombastic
The Challenge
- To raise awareness amongst young people of the dangers of tomb-stoning and swimming around busy shipping areas in the Milford Haven Waterway.
- To educate participants on the project on general water safety and to discourage anti-social behaviour to help create a positive environment at Milford Waterfront.
The Solution
A&B Cymru brokered a partnership between Port of Milford Haven and Bombastic which explored new digital ways of engaging with young people during the pandemic. The arts organisation used an interactive online TV channel to deliver an educational programme containing the Port’s key messages. Using engaging and humorous TV host characters, Bombastic produced activities, quizzes and pre-recorded interviews, all with input from the Port and partner agencies such as the police, coastguard, council and fire service.
The programme was delivered to Year 7 and 8 pupils at 3 local secondary schools (2 English language and 1 Welsh language). The Port worked closely with Bombastic prior to the events to ensure the organisation had all the necessary background knowledge, answers to potential questions and key messages around the subject.
The Results
The partnership with Bombastic produced a unique educational programme at a time when face-to-face interactions were not possible. The project reached over 600 pupils with the vast majority of participants reporting that they had learned something new about tombstoning, water safety and anti-social behaviour. 95% of teachers rated the event as very good or excellent, with over three quarters of them saying they would consider live streaming other events and activities.
The Endorsement
The project enabled Bombastic to work in ways we weren’t expecting. It was a catalyst to try something new. The Port of Milford Haven was very supportive of this and the project has felt very empowering for Bombastic – seeing all the different responses from the young people in real time was so encouraging. A&B Cymru provided an unexpected opportunity that was challenging, technologically and creatively.
Sean Tuan John – Director, Bombastic
