Longtown and Bewcastle Children's Centre is holding a special family tea party to mark the launch of their new improved 'Stop and Swap' toy library service.
Photographers are invited to the Centre on Mary Street in Longtown on Friday 7 September at 2:00pm where children will be helping to bake their own decorative biscuits.
The 'Stop and Swap' toy library service now has over 1,000 toys. Anyone can become a member as long as they have one child under five years-old who is regularly in their care. This includes grandparents, carers, schools and childminders.
Membership costs only £1.50 for individual families or £10 for a group membership (aimed at schools, toddler groups and church groups).
Longtown and Bewcastle Children's Centre's 'Stop and Swap' toy library service operates both within the centre and the outreach areas of Bewcastle, Nichol Forest, Hethersgill and Blackford. More outreach locations are expected to be added as the service continues to grow.
The Centre's Play Development Worker, Kerry-Anne Carruthers and Community Playworker, Rachel Hopper have been working on updating the service and organising the new 'Stop and Swap' playroom within the Children's Centre.
This will be open 9:30-10:00am and 3:30-4:00pm, Monday to Friday for toy lending and play time. The team will continue to visit the outreach areas in their fully equipped toy van which is to be re-branded with a new 'Stop and Swap' logo, designed by current members of the service.
Rachel Hopper, Community Playworker says, "This launch is to encourage new members to join 'Stop and Swap', thank existing members and increase awareness of the service within the community.
"We will also be unveiling the new logos on the toy library van and the new playroom in which all the toys and games are now stored and displayed for easy access."
Members of the public are invited to the launch at 2.00pm where they can take a look around the Children's Centre, playroom and see the resources available from 'Stop and Swap'.
More information is available from Kate Robinson Marketing and Communications Assistant, Children's Services on 01900-706133/07795283963 or Rachel Hopper Community Playworker at Longtown and Bewcastle Children's Centre on 01228-794154 or 01228-792130.
ENDS
Media enquiries to Mark Graham, Media Officer on 01228-606337
Notes
Children's Centres have been developed as 'one stop shops' for parents - a place where they can get help and information on services in their local area for both themselves and their children.
The services they offer include:
- good quality early learning combined with day care
- child and family health services, including antenatal services
- family support services
- a base for a childminder network
- links with Jobcentre Plus to support parents/carers who are considering training or employment
- drop in sessions and other activities for children and carers