Paulton's Messy Tots stay and play group for families with children from 0–5-years-old are yet again facing closure if they do not find funding within the next few weeks. The volunteer-led group launched last May, when the Children's Centre was no longer able to provide staff to continue running the Paulton Messy Playgroup due to funding cuts.
The parents who now run the group have been provided with training and allowed use of the Children's Centre toy van each week, however, this will no longer be available in a matter of weeks. The group have submitted a funding application to Paulton Parish Council, who are due to make a decision at the beginning of March and they are desperately seeking funding from other sources, including local businesses or generous local residents, in order to continue to provide this valuable and popular service to the local community.
Messy Tots @ Paulton and the Messy Playgroup before it have been running for many years on Thursday mornings in Paulton Scout Hut, providing a space for parents or guardians to bring their children for some quality play time together. There is the opportunity to get messy with a different activity each week, such as paint, snow dough, shaving foam or water play. They can also take part in craft, read books in the quiet teepee, dress up for some roleplay or play with the dollies and pushchairs. Parents with young babies are also welcome and can enjoy the baby area with soft cushions, age appropriate toys and sensory equipment. The group provide a healthy snack each week and end with songtime where the children take turns to choose from classic nursery rhymes and children's songs.
The volunteer parents running the group have undergone training to run the service effectively, including paediatric first aid, food hygiene, emotion coaching, safeguarding and equalities and they are able to signpost families in need to other services. They were also pleased to have been recently successfully nominated for the B&NES Chairman's Community Awards for their service to the community.
After a successful fundraising event in October, which provided a small amount of initial cash for rent and weekly snacks, Messy Tots @ Paulton have been hoping to secure larger funds to ensure the future of the group, allowing them to buy their own quality play equipment and resources. They are appealing to the public and to Journal readers to please dig into their pockets and help allow them to continue to run this much-loved community group to the families of Paulton and surrounding villages. The group would like to thank everyone who has already kindly donated in the Messy Tots collection boxes, which have been placed in various locations around the village, including the library and the pubs and those who have donated toys, but, sadly, without some larger donations, they will soon be without the resources to continue the group.
If you feel you can help in any way, please do get in touch with Charley O'Connell, Chairperson of the Messy Tots @ Paulton group, on: 07791 746606, or email: [email protected]">[email protected]