Est. 1974 · Southampton · Registered Charity No. 1184505
A small charity with a big mission — making play free and accessible for every child in Southampton since 1974.
Who we are
Community Playlink is a registered charity operating free toy libraries for families with children under 14 years old. We also support toddler groups and early years settings in Southampton and the surrounding areas.
We run weekly playtime sessions for families with children under 5 years of age. Come and join in these fun sessions at our base in Swaythling Neighbourhood Centre!
We also produce regular information to promote our services, and there are planned fundraising events that staff and volunteers can take part in. We work in partnership with many organisations to further the aims, objectives and service delivery relying on funding from grants, individuals and activities.
“Without the Toy Library, my children would have led a much poorer life. They learnt to walk using the push-along walkers, and cycle using the tricycles. Their imagination has been enriched by all the role play and they have had many opportunities. Thank You!”
— Community Playlink memberWhat we stand for
To advance the education of children and their carers, by providing or assisting in the provision of facilities and activities for individuals and group play in which parents, guardians and carers can participate when appropriate;
To advance the education of parents and carers in the better care and upbringing of children and promote the significance of play in allowing children to learn and develop across such a broad range of developmental areas;
To promote the preservation and protection of health of such children, their carers and expectant parents.
Since 1974
It started off in a cupboard in 1974 and since then has given some of the most disadvantaged children in Southampton what many other youngsters take for granted. The Toy Library Service has been providing toys to thousands of children who otherwise wouldn’t enjoy what should be a fundamental part of childhood.
Read our historyThe team
Our small but dedicated team of staff are passionate and dedicated to making play accessible to all.
Governance
Our trustees are all volunteers who keep Community Playlink running by helping to manage our finances, apply for grants, and much more.
Latest updates
This month, Elaine and Jo took part in training with other practitioners in Southampton, as part of the Peep Learning Together Programme (PLT). What is the Peep Learning Together Programme? It helps parents, carers and practitioners make the most of the learning opportunities in everyday life, supporting their babies’ and young children’s learning through play...
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Our new Assistant Toy Librarian, Joyce Hamilton-Dyer, has joined the Community Playlink family. You can pop in to meet her on Thursdays and Saturdays every week! Joyce has been using the Toy Library for the last 4 years with her family, and many of you will already have met her through our Playtime sessions. We...
Continue readingCome and visit us
Drop in during opening hours to explore our toy library, join a playtime session, or just say hello. No booking needed.
Richard Maunder
Chair
Dot Capes
Trustee
Emma Barrett
Trustee
Lorraine Pugh
Trustee
Ralph Crump
Honorary Treasurer
Terry Pugh
Trustee
Greg Perry
Trustee