By Jason Lewis, Local Democracy Reporter
A toy library which has provided free play to thousands of children for more than 50 years is set to close at the end of the month.
Photo: LDRS
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Community Playlink is facing the “devastating” decision after Southampton City Council decided to withdraw its funding.
The charity, which is based at Swaythling Neighbourhood Centre, has more than 6,000 toys for children aged up to 14 to borrow free of charge.
Community Playlink also runs weekly playtime sessions and supports toddler groups and early years settings across Southampton with toys, including six council family hubs and seven schools.
Trustee and secretary Dot Capes said the charity’s annual costs were £45,000, largely supported by £27,000 in funding from the local authority.
Community Playlink trustee Dot Capes. Photo: LDRS
Efforts in recent months to find alternative funding sources proved unsuccessful forcing the trustees to take the difficult decision to call time on the operation.
Ms Capes said: “If we have to close, we will need to find new homes for some very valuable and much-loved toys.
“After 50 years it would feel devastating for the trustees and staff, and the families who visit us who are so supportive.”
Ms Capes, who came on board in 2011, said the charity tried to help parents and children build relationships and bond through play.
On the financial situation, she said: “We have come to the brink before and there has always been something.
“I do not have that hope this time.
“We have tried so hard.
“This is the first time we are getting told ‘no, no, no’.”
Community Playlink moved to its current site in 2019, employing three paid part-time staff with support from around 10 volunteers.
The toy library is open 48 weeks of the year, including the summer holidays and half terms, only closing at Christmas and Easter.
It remained operational during the Covid pandemic by providing a doorstep delivery service.
Around 3,500 toys are borrowed every month, with previous analysis finding the most toys are loaned out to the most deprived areas in Southampton.
Ms Capes said an application to the National Lottery Community Fund to operate for five years was turned down due to the fund already supporting six other family group organisations in the city.
A Southampton City Council spokesperson said: “It is with regret that we are unable to renew the grant to the Community Playlink toy library service, as it has become less sustainable in recent years.
“We shall be working with Community Playlink to help redistribute the toys to expand toy libraries at our Family Hubs citywide and donate to local toddler groups.
“This approach will help to ensure families will continue to access toys.
“After consulting with users of Community Playlink, we shall start a new play session at Honeysuckle Family Hub in January 2026.
“We’ll ensure families can still gather, play together and receive support on a regular basis.”
Previously: Southampton Children’s Play Association forced to close after 50 years following funding withdrawal
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