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01

Jun 2021

Last Updated: 28/05/2021

Harrogate Toy Library receives funding for more baby classes

by Suzannah Rogerson

| 01 Jun, 2021
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Harrogate and Knaresborough Toy Library has opened another class for new parents after receiving vital funding. It says post-lockdown these classes have become more important for parents who have missed out on socialising.

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Prior to lockdown, the charity's members enjoyed play sessions.

Harrogate and Knaresborough Toy Library says classes for new parents has become more important following lockdown and with new funding it can offer more.

The charity received £1,307 from The National Lottery Community Fund and has had their venue hire prices covered by Chain Lane Community Hub until December.

The funding has helped the charity hold a second new parent class.

Play session worker, Rachael Bolton, says lockdown has isolated some new parents leaving them with out the usual opportunities to socialise and demand for spaces has increased.   The library's capacity is currently limited due to restrictions.

Play session worker, Rachael Bolton said:

"New parents can often feel alone at the beginning because it is all new and meeting new parents normalises it all because you have common experiences. But many have missed out on this over lockdown.
"This can be extremely isolating and we are really happy to be able to give this opportunity to the local community."





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The baby and new parent classes on a Monday and Wednesday are held at Chain Lane Community Hub in Knaresborough.

An outdoor play session is also held for toddlers and older children at Knaresborough House on Tuesdays.

The charity also offers a toy library where parents can pick toys via the online library to take home for two weeks before returning them.

The shelves are stacked high with doll houses, dinosaurs and board games