The Mobile Toy Library visits families located on both the East and West side of Haringey. The visits take place bimonthly on a Tuesday morning. The service is available to families living in temporary accommodation in Haringey with children aged 0-5years. There are some toys and books appropriate for older children; however, the Toy Library is most suited to pre-school children.
The Toy Library visits homes, Children’s Centres and women’s refuges etc. This service is facilitated by the Family Support Worker. Toys/books are borrowed for 2 weeks and returned the following 2 weeks when the Toy Library visits again. There is no charge for this service; if toys are broken, workers will ask for the toys to be returned broken. The toys are cleaned every time they are returned.
The Toy Library depends on volunteers to organise, service and deliver toys to children from low income families that really benefit from accessing a wide range of educational toys. If you are interested in volunteering opportunities, please contact us.
The service is also available from the Drop In or CARIS office during opening hours. Referral from a professional is preferable; however, families can self-refer in order to use the Toy Library.
The mobile Toy Library has the added advantage of not only providing fun educational toys/books to assist with child development but also acts as an outreach tool, encouraging parents to disclose concerns such as issues with housing, welfare rights, and health. Workers can then signpost families to further services.