Charity gets cosy with storytelling space

A new storytelling space is helping young children and families in Gateshead develop a love of reading in greater comfort.

The Children’s Foundation has opened a Cosy Corner within its Toddling On ‘stay and play’ café at Deckham Family Hub on Elgin Road.

Designed as a comfortable and informal space for children to play, relax and enjoy regular storytelling sessions, the area features new bookshelves alongside tactile and sensory elements, canopies and books.

Its creation was supported by a £2013 grant from the Banks Group’s Banks Community Fund.

The Children’s Foundation opened the Toddling On café late last year to provide families with young children a welcoming place to meet, play and spend time together.

Alongside discounted coffee and nutritious food, the café hosts activities aimed at supporting children’s development during their early years.

Emma Jamieson, community project manager at the Children’s Foundation, said: “The Hub provides a welcoming environment for local families to play, share and develop new friendships, and we’ve had a really positive response to the Toddling On cafe from customers of all ages since we opened our doors.

“There are lots of resources available which help to build strong foundations in the early years, reduce isolation and give children and their families the tools to flourish, with the Cosy Corner being the latest space that we’re adding into the mix.

“We know how much children especially love coming along to our storytelling sessions and how much their parents and carers value the time they spend together here.

“Having this dedicated space will make our overall offering even better and we hope it will encourage more local families to spend time with us.

“The Banks Group’s support will help us make this new space as welcoming and well-equipped as possible, and we’re really grateful to have them in our corner.” 

Founded in Newcastle in 1990, The Children’s Foundation works to improve the health and wellbeing of vulnerable and marginalised children and young people across the North East.

The independent charity, which receives no statutory funding, previously raised £12 million through its Yellow Brick Road Appeal to build the Sir James Spence Institute of Child Health within the Great North Children’s Hospital.

Jamilah Hassan, community relations manager at the Banks Group, whose  community funds are independently managed by Point North, added: “Providing the sorts of experiences and opportunities that the Children’s Foundation is offering through the Toddling On café can have a positive impact on a child’s development right through their formative years.

“This is a fantastic, fun way to make their facilities even better and one that we’re very pleased to be part of.”

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