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Northumberland Toy library and children’s resource centre have received £12,000 funding from Northumberland County Council’s Community Chest fund in order to maintain their good works in the Ashington community.
Over the last 4 years the Toy Library has grown considerably, located at Station Villa, in the main centre of Ashington, it has been refurbished to offer full disabled access with accessible toilets and a lift.
Funding from the council will help secure the continued lease of the premises. Offering play sessions from £1.00 per family, and Toy Library membership for only £1.00 per family, the Toy Library has gathered over 1,000 registered users.
Each week within Station Villa there are a number of activities that members are able to attend. There are seven sessions each week for parents and toddlers, women’s support groups and supply placements for the local college.
Every morning from 10am there is a drop in session, including messy play on Tuesday and a story teller on Friday.
Ann Widdrington, community empowerment worker has been with the organisation from the creation in 2001, she said; “I am delighted to be part of the continued growth and development. The toy lending service remains as popular as ever with more families turning to us in this time of recession.
“We encourage new volunteers of all ages and abilities who can enhance the organisation.”
Roger Styring, deputy leader of Northumberland County Council said: “Despite the current economic difficulties that we all face, Northumberland County Council is very keen to assist community groups such as the Northumberland Toy Library in its valuable work. The Community Chest grant scheme is just one of a number of ways in which we try and help such organisations.”
Station Villa is open from 9am - 4pm Monday to Thursday, from 9am – 1pm on Friday.
For further information on Northumberland Toy library contact (01670) 523539 or visit http://www.ntlrc.co.uk/ .
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