About Us

At The Toy Library, we believe that every child benefits from belonging to a family and every family benefits from belonging to a community. Our purpose is to work alongside and support children, families and communities to develop, grow and thrive together through play. That might sound simple, but it can be complex.  It’s often challenging and it is always exciting! 

The Team

It’s a bit of a cliche about people being our greatest asset, but it really is true! Whether its by being on our Board, as a member of staff or one of our volunteers, we really couldn’t do it without you.

Our Board

Truly representative of the local area, more than half of our board members live within three miles of The Toy Library.

Our board is elected by our members to set out our strategic vision and make sure we don’t lose sight of it. They also ensure that everything we do is to the highest standards. Many are local people and parents who use or have used our services – others support our work and have specific skills to offer.

Our Staff

Our staff are amazing. This is our chance to talk about a few of the people who work at The Toy Library…We can’t acknowledge the valuable contribution that everyone in our workforce makes to the success of The Toy Library individually: there just isn’t room!   

Steve Parkinson – Service Director  steve@toy-library.co.uk

Working in play-related services in the community since the 1970’s in London and the East Midlands, Steve continues to lead our team with enthusiasm and charm!

Jane Byrne – Community Woodland Coordinator  jane@toy-library.co.uk

With over 30 years experience in play, Jane is our outdoors play and woodland crafts specialist who looks after one of our biggest play resources; 10 acres of woodland on the edge of Bulwell Hall Park.  Jane loves sending herself home covered in mud – not sure the other passengers on the bus are too pleased though!

Lorraine Stevenson – Family Mentor Manager  lorraine@toy-library.co.uk

Joining the team in 2004, Lorraine now leads a team of local family mentors delivering the Small Steps Big Changes programme in Bulwell.  Her enthusiasm for this innovative project is matched only by her vast knowledge of popular music and old films at our highly-competitive Christmas quiz.

Sara Taylor – Activities Coordinator  sara@toy-library.co.uk

With over 15 years as a member of the Toy Library team, Sara embodies the spirit of the Toy Library having begun as a parent user of our services, joining our management committee and finally becoming an employee.  I guess she just couldn’t bear to be parted from us.  If you want a creche for your meeting, event or even your wedding day, Sara is the person who can make it happen! 

Our Volunteers

Volunteers are the lifeblood of a successful charity. Without them, some of our most innovative projects would not exist. They embody the spirit of our organisation and its place in the community. Whether its just a few hours for a short period of time or a long term commitment, our volunteers are valued by staff across the Toy Library. More are always needed so if you have a little or a lot of time to spare, please talk to a member of the team. You’re sure of a warm welcome!

Without volunteers we couldn’t continue to do what we do – it’s what makes the word “community” come to life.  If you have skills and experience to help us make things better for local families, whether you can spare a couple of hours regularly or just a few hours now and then, we’d love to hear from you.

Call us on 0115 9753898 or email admin@toy-library.co.uk

 

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