Parents have welcomed a new pace where children and parents are made to feel at home - with some saying there was “nothing” in the area for young children before the new venture started. The Room to Play is a new facility within the Toy Library in Commercial Road, Bulwell.
Funded by Nottingham-based organisation Small Steps Big Changes, the Room to Play is based within the Toy Library, which provides children with the chance to play for free while giving their parents a respite. With child development at heart, the Room to Play caters for the aged from new-born up to four years old.
A range of different programmes are put on throughout the week that are free after opening at the end of October.
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Sarah McGonigle, 40 has lived in Bulwell for the past 12 years. Sarah has a child who is almost one. Speaking about how the Room to Play will benefit many parents and children, Sarah said: “Before this there was nothing around here for young children, I had seen this on Facebook and then came the day after. It’s now my second week here.”
Sarah continued and said: “I don’t really know of any other play groups, I’ve seen some in Mapperley and in the Gedling area but that’s too far out but this is free and close to home.”
With a small team of staff, many are trained to be Family Mentors. The Family Mentors are a universal service open to anyone in the Aspley, Bulwell, Arboretum, St Ann’s or Hyson Green Ward (a Small Steps Big Chances area.)
Sara Mott, who is a Family Mentor, spoke about working at the Room to Play: “It’s been wonderful and well received by people in Bulwell, we have something on everyday like on Monday Mornings there’s Story and Rhyme Time and then there’s a lot of free play slots throughout the day too.
“This is a safe colourful place for families where children can express themselves, a lot of parents don’t want their children painting at home for example and here that’s all provided. Many parents have said that they feel like they’re having a play at home.”
The Room to Play is open everyday apart from Sundays. Saturdays are described as an ideal time for mums and dad who work in the week to come by.
Sara continued: “We wanted something special for families in Bulwell, we want to catch children that come here as early as possible to offer as many services to them whilst they’re here.”
Chelsi Brandom, 28, who attends the group with her young son, said: “It’s been really good, the first Halloween Walk was loads better than I expected it to be, he [Cheli’s son, Tommy] spelt the whole way through but it was nice to meet other people, this is a good way of making friends especially for parents.”
Last month, for Halloween the Room to Play put on a ‘Spooky Push’ for children and parents. The walk consisted of many parents with their little ones in prams walking around the area stopping off at local businesses who dished out fruit or free pumpkins.
Anna Sant is a Family Mentor. On a Wednesday she leads the Busy Bodies groups. It is mainly for children aged two to four at the Wednesday class but all are welcome.
Anna said: “I’ve lived in Bulwell all my life and there’s been nothing like this. It makes me want to have a baby! The best part of this job is meeting people and working where you live, making a difference.”
Anna continued and said: “I’ve grown up in Bulwell my children are growing up in Bulwell so it wouldn’t be the same if I lived anywhere else. Making a difference and forming friendships through family mentoring.”
Scott Atkinson, Service Director said: “For 40 years, the Toy Library originally set up by people in the area have built up a reputation for themselves so whilst we don’t lend toys, many people in the area would recognise that name.
“So far, we’ve gotten a really good mix of families and are happy to support them in any way that we can through our services. We have child development at heart and this is a mobile free zone so that parents can get involved and interact with their little ones as well.”
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