A Bulwell mum has praised how a community run project is helping parents cope through the ‘financially difficult’ cost of living crisis. Bulwell’s Toy Library, which hold activities across the town, provides children with the chance to play for free while giving their parents a respite from the stresses of parenthood.
Sara Mott, 32, a mum-of-two from Bulwell, said her children were in “good hands” at the Toy Library, which helps parents cope in tough times. “As a parent of two children, it does get financially difficult to send our children to paid activities,” Ms Mott said.
“I know they’re in good hands here and under complete supervision. It is also great that it is a short walk away. My children can come by themselves.” The community-funded project organises activity sessions for children across different age groups and needs.
Sarah’s children are eight and 11-years-old and sending them to paid sessions would mean spending an average of £10 each week. The latest predictions from economists say that the cost of living crisis will get worse before it gets better - with inflation recently measured at nine per cent - a 40-year high.
Before the cost of living crisis some of the most deprived areas of Nottingham were in Bulwell, according to Government data . Activities provided by the Toy Library are spread across different age groups and sessions over the week at different Bulwell parks.
Toy Library was set up four decades ago by parents to save parents from buying new toys for their children. The same set of toys would be borrowed and played with by children, saving the parents money.
Over the years it has grown to an organisation now funded with staff with expertise and volunteers. Yan Gough, 50, a member of staff at the Toy Library spoke about the kind of activities they hold and how their sessions are funded.
“We do some adventurous, some arty and scientific based activities in line with their developmental needs,” Mr Gough said. “This is funded by the Lottery Community Fund, and we are especially a project for young people growing up.”
Yan said parents are most happy about not having to pay to send their children to a safe environment. The Toy Library was recently awarded with the GreenSpace badge, which is a part of a national test and learn pilot encouraging people to socialise outside.
For more information about the sessions Toy Library offers go here .
