Bloxwich children's roleplay centre gets grant funding boost

Having opened its doors in October, Toddle About Town was set up by owner Colleen Harris with the aim of being the ultimate play destination for children under five.

Offering an alternative to soft play, the centre has various activity corners that cater to the imagination and curiosity of children, including Duplo, farm, laundry, gym, garden, nightclub and car garage areas.

There is also an on-site cafe, providing adults with a cosy space to relax and recharge while their children play.

Walsall Business Support has awarded the grant to Toddle About Town to support the play centre with initial start-up costs and to help it purchase new toys and invest in the children’s library area.

Colleen Harris said: “I am very grateful to receive this grant. My vision when I set up the centre was to help my community, creating a space that nurtures both children and their parents. I wanted to create a magical world where little ones can explore, learn and have fun in a safe and engaging environment.

“The grant has helped me to purchase a new ottoman, chair and bookshelf for the library area, a comfy zone where children can sit and read. I am planning to use the space to run workshops on Makaton, a communication tool that uses signs, symbols and speech to help people with learning or communication difficulties. 

“By running these workshops and training sessions, I hope to bring more visitors to the centre and make it more inclusive for the local community.”

Formed by leading local business figures to distribute funds collected from the legacy of Walsall Chamber of Commerce, Walsall Business Support provides grants to applicants who want funding for projects to enhance business life in the borough.

Walsall Business Support board member Rob Colbourne OBE said: “We are pleased to see Toddle About Town establish itself in Walsall and benefit from this funding.

“Toddle About Town is a great space for the local community to enjoy, providing a fun place for children to explore and learn and a welcoming space where parents can connect, relax and recharge.”