Plea to support Connors Toy Libraries amid funding uncertainty over its future

During a Portsmouth City Council meeting, Cllr Graham Heaney proposed a motion urging the council to explore funding opportunities for the Portsea-based charity which offers weekly play and toy loan sessions for children under five. It also provides a safe and secure environment for children to have fun while allowing parents and carers from across the city to socialise and attends local events.

The charity has received National Lottery funding for several years, but this support is only guaranteed until March. The motion notes that while the charity intends to apply for the next round of lottery funding, any new bid “may not be processed before March 2025”.

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Cllr Heaney said: “We are losing some of our locally established charities due to the pressure on voluntary organisations generally.

“It was established through the Lord Mayor’s funding in 1973; to say that it has existed and helped people for that length of time is a real achievement.

“It provides more than toys; it offers social support and advice for parents, having a much wider remit.”

Cllr Steve Pitt, leader of the council, proposed an amendment to the motion, emphasising the council’s efforts to support the charity. “This is a great local charity that does excellent work,” he said.

“The council has recognised this through the housing revenue account and has supported it by providing a significant rent discount for the unit that Connor’s occupies.

“It would be a brilliant investment if the government were to establish a voluntary sector fund to enable local authorities to support organisations in our area.

“I’m arranging for an expert funder to meet with them to review their current business model and identify opportunities for funding.”

The motion calls for a review of National Lottery funding and asks what the government could do to support the charity to “ensure every child has the best start in life, especially in the climate of ongoing uncertainty over the funding of local government”.

In 2023, the charity ran 397 Toy Library sessions, attracting 1,249 families (1,307 adults and 1,554 children), with 73 per cent borrowing toys and resources for continued play and development at home. Connors Toy Libraries began in 1973 and was funded through a grant from the Lord Mayor Dennis Connors Fund.

For more information about helping Connors Toy Library, click here.