North Tyneside toy library secures £10,000 boost

A North East charity supporting families with affordable baby equipment and toys has secured vital funding to continue its work. 

North Tyneside’s Baby Equipment Loan Service and Toy Library (BELS) recently received a £10,000 grant from The Bernicia Foundation to help maintain staffing and support growing demand. 

Founded more than 40 years ago, BELS loans thousands of toys and baby items at low cost, promoting sustainability and easing family budgets. 

Officials say the funding will ensure the charity can keep providing essential resources for local parents, encouraging play and wellbeing amid ongoing cost of living challenges.

Carol Dennison, treasurer, trustee and a founding member of BELS, said: “Our goal has always been to support families and respond to their needs.

“We started this service as a way for single mothers to get hold of essential second-hand baby equipment. 

“Today, we offer a range of new resources, such as sensory toys for children with special needs, party packs and have also started community groups for families. 

“We’ve listened to what our community tells us.”

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