March Newsletter 2026

Written By BELS & TL

Sage Foundation Colleague and Partner Charity Walk May 2026 - 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. This is the third and biggest walking challenge they have done, raising over £15,000 for charities last year.
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.
Link to donate https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/belstoylibraryullswater?utm_term=yjEGqNJvR&utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL

Thank You To...
The Forrester Family Trust and The Community Foundation North East for their generous grants towards our running costs.
We are very grateful to all our funders, we could not do our work without their help and support.

SEN Toys 
We were granted money from Hays Travel to buy some toys that would support children with Special Educational Needs. One of our members of the toy library is a specialist in this area and suggested some really popular toys. These help children move their bodies safely and support regulation. We have purchased 2 body socks (different sizes) 2 peanut balls, 2 spinning chairs, a black out sensory den, sensory projector light, trampoline and wobble cushion. These toys have proved very popular already. 

Islamic Cultural Centre Group 
Our play sessions on a Tuesday night are always filled with fun. It is such a warm and welcoming environment. The children and families have recently been celebrating Ramadan and Eid, it was lovely to be back last week where the children enjoyed playing Uno, Jenga, Lego and making creations from our art and crafts supplies.
 

Welcome to the Team 

Welcome to Wendy our new volunteer on the management committee. Wendy was a trustee with us a number of years ago but took a break from volunteering to concentrate on her family and own work commitments. We are very happy to have Wendy back on the team as an adviser to our Management Committee. 
 

If you feel you have skills you can offer to our Project please get in touch for more details.

Reviews and Feedback
We appreciate that time is valuable, but if you or your child would like to review a toy or share feedback, we would be very grateful. Your insights help us improve and grow. Reviews will be included in our upcoming newsletter. Please message us if you're interested!
This is video review from one of our members showcasing the new Sensory Sock that we have purchased.

 

Easter Holidays & May Bank Holidays

We are closed on Good Friday 3rd April, Easter Monday 6th April and Friday 10th April.
We hope you enjoy the Easter Holidays.

We will also be closed on Monday 4th May & Monday 25th May for the May Bank Holidays.

Our project was made possible thanks to #NationalLotteryplayers

BELS & TL
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February Newsletter 2026