April Newsletter 2026

Fantastic Funders’

We are grateful to all the trusts and foundation’s who support our work, we certainly could not do our work without their support.

The Community Foundation North East has informed us recently of a generous grant by The 1989 Willan Charitable Trust to help with our running costs.

We have also received a donation from My Little Waitrose Jesmond. Thank you to both organisations for their continued support.

Still time to support the team from Sage Foundation and their Ullswater Challenge!

Sage and its partners are heading to the Lake District for a walk around Ullswater, one of the region’s largest lakes! Participants can choose between two challenging routes: 20 or 25 miles. The challenge is taking place on Thursday 17th May 2026.
We are very grateful to be selected as one of the local charities benefiting from this fundraising event. Currently, approx 95 people have registered for the challenge. Sage will generously match any donations up to £5,000—so if you donate £1, Sage will also contribute £1. Click the link to support the dedicated participants and our project.

Donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/belstoylibraryullswater?utm_term=yjEGqNJvR&utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL

Members Feedback

I first founds BELS when looking for a highchair for my daughter after our original one had broken. I was able to pay to hire one rather than having to buy a brand new one. This was a huge relief for us with me being on a lower income during my maternity leave.

Since then, I have borrowed a huge range of toys which my daughters have loved. The toy library has always catered for my girls as they have grown as they provide toys for a huge range of interests and ages.

The Baby Equipment Loan Service & Toy Library (BELS & TL) has been invaluable to our family and I would highly recommend it to all families living in North Tyneside.

Thank you for the continued support from The Shears Foundation.

The Project is closed for Staff Training on Tuesday 5th May.

May Bank Holidays

We are closed on Monday 4th May and Monday 25th May for the May Bank Holidays.