Pimlico Toy Library have been awarded a second Community Investment Grant of £45,000 (over 3 years) to support their core programme in south Westminster.

Usually, they provide 6 x 2-hour play sessions every week for children 0–5 years and their parents/carers including playing games, reading stories and singing songs.  In addition, their extensive toy library offers families the chance to borrow some of their 1,500+ toys.  During the holidays they welcome older children and organise family trips.  Hopefully these sessions will be available again soon.

During the last year (whilst the centre has been closed), they have adapted their services to support local families by:

• distributing nappies and other essential baby items
• distributing books and toys
• establishing virtual play sessions in Music and Art where they sent out materials first
• helping families to access computers, mental health support and other services.

The fabulous photo is of the three winners of a recent virtual Art session ranging from age 3‑10.  Families were informed of where to walk to see Henry Moore sculptures locally and then the online session helped children to produce their own sculpture (they supplied materials).

A parent recently sent the following feedback:

“I would like to thank you and your company for your generous gift for our children such as children’s activities, nappies, milk, colouring.  And thank you also for your advice which helped to change the difficult circumstances I faced.  You advised me about the food bank and referred me to the food bank people.  I received help from them too with vegetables, nappies, milk, children’s food.  I’m very appreciative for all your kindness.  You gave us a lot of help not only now, but also while our children were at Toy Library. 

We will never forget your kindness, you took all our children on lots of trips.  It’s so kind of you, may God bless you and your organisation, you helping everybody.  So kind of you.”

The Trustees also approved the following grants:

• £45,000 Community Investment Grant over 3 years to St Vincent Family Project towards running their Creative Arts Therapy programme
• £43,350 Community Investment Grant over 3 years to Westminster Befriend a Family core funding to support their mentoring programmes for young people and mums