Westway Toy Library

Lynda is a Community Minister at Holy Nativity Church, Eastfield in Scarborough. She completed Stepping Up in July 2024 with a vision to connect with families in the local community through play. 

A Mustard Seed start-up grant has enabled the church to purchase a variety of Christian toys and games tailored for SEN (Special Educational Needs) children and their siblings to borrow. The need for families to access preschool toys and activities at home has been identified by the families Lynda works with at SENSES. A registered charity, SENSES supports families of preschool children with additional learning, physical, or medical needs in Scarborough and the surrounding area. Qualified and experienced staff run two weekly toddler groups, which provide multi-sensory experiences, and the opportunity for parent-to-parent support relationships to develop. 

In collaboration with SENSES, operating out of Westway Open Arms, Lynda has established a toy library facility for families of preschool children with additional needs, as well as families from the Little Lambs playgroup at Holy Nativity Church. Unfortunately, the cost of toys, especially those designed for children with additional needs, is increasingly prohibitive. By providing a collection of toys for borrowing, the toy library aims to significantly reduce the financial burden on families. Toys and equipment are stored upstairs in three units, funded by Westway Open Arms and built by volunteers. 

Lending sessions at Westway Open Arms occur weekly on Monday and Tuesday, and monthly on Wednesday mornings during term-time at Little Lambs. Families complete a membership application form and agree on procedures for loss, damage, or breakage. The fee is £1 per month or £10 annually, with one family having their fees waived. Currently, 9 families (17 children) have signed up, and 16 toys are on loan (about 25% of our toys). The toy library owns around 60 new toys, books, and games. Each page of the lending catalogue includes a picture, Makaton signs, and symbols, allowing children to make their own choices. 

Lynda reflects on how the toy library is developing: 

“I strive to support our community's faith, prayer, and discipleship by being a prayerful and attentive presence. I share God’s love with families involved in SENSES, Little Lambs, and the broader community. We have a scripture display board quoting Psalm 139: "You are lovingly and wonderfully made,” which is also featured on the toy library leaflets.  We aim to foster a safe, welcoming space for experiencing love, building relationships, contributing, and sharing stories. 

Westway Toy Library aims to loan toys to families of pre-school children and those with additional learning, physical, or medical needs in Eastfield, who are members of SENSES, or Little Lambs. Inside each sack that goes out on loan, there is an informational bookmark aimed at children. We also have stickers! We include story books and interactive puzzles with various themes and toys. Through the toy library and our groups, we may be able to direct many families to other support provided by Westway Open Arms and connected organisations, which is already beginning to happen.  

We aim to gauge the project's popularity by starting with these two groups before later expanding to the wider community and possibly setting up weekly sessions. For now, a catalogue of available toys will be available on the Westway Toy Library notice board. The next step is to set up a lending library at the back of church during the all-age service to encourage families of Kids Club children to make use of the club.  It’s also hoped we can run a summer session during the holidays.”

To read more about Lynda and her Stepping Up journey, click here