The cost of living crisis has meant a tightening of belts and going without luxuries for many but the impact on local “not for profit” organisations has been acute.
Wolves Play Cafe is a not for profit community organisation set up to deliver “stay and play” sessions to children aged under 7 and their carers across the Wolverhampton area. Founded in 2018 by mother and daughter team Lisa and Helen Stallard, the cafe facilitates varied opportunities to support the development and independence of children, and reduce feelings of isolation of caregivers of young children by providing a safe, friendly and welcoming space. Last summer the cafe delivered 12 stay and play sessions in various parks for over 260 children and 150 caregivers, who were able to socialise and access support.
Charter Savings Bank, who have offices in Wolverhampton, have provided a donation to the cafe, which has bought new uniforms and provided safeguarding training for all the staff. This includes induction training and basic early years practice training to ensure that the sessions they deliver are of the highest quality. The funds also supported the purchase of domains and software programmes - a vital resource in this digital age.
Lisa Stallard, Co-founder of Wolves Play Cafe said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to Charter Savings Bank for their generous donation. This will enable us to invest in new staff, and expand our support to help many more families with young children in the area. This is such a challenging time and we know carers may be feeling isolated and lonely so it’s wonderful to be able to offer them a space to be heard and supported.”
Paul Whitlock, Group Managing Director of Savings, Charter Savings Bank (part of the OSB Group) said, “We have a strong focus on the local communities surrounding our head office and are delighted to help support the fantastic work that Lisa & Helen do for local families. Bringing children and adults together in a time of such uncertainty is key to mental health and wellbeing, something that is a key part of our company culture.
This initiative provides an opportunity for communities to come together in a local place but the play can also continue at home as children also receive “play at home” packs. It’s a very well thought out local programme which we’re proud to be part of”.
Wolves Play Cafe offer weekly and seasonal play sessions which operate on a ‘pay as you feel’ basis meaning it is can be accessed by everyone. To find out more about the sessions or to help support the organisation, please visit: https://www.wolvesplaycafe.org/