Take a look at our testimonials below.

Photo sent of S playing with the beach toys she had borrowed. “S is on holiday loving playing with the beach toys.”

Message from a toy library member “E has been playing with the Paw Patrol ride on and tractor since she woke up this morning - she loves it!”

Volunteers Week June 2025 messages from our volunteers as we had sent thank you cards and flowers.

“Thank you so much for the card was a lovely surprise!”

“Thank you so much for my card it was much appreciated and really brightened my day.”

“Thank you so much for my card and flowers. Flowers are beautiful.”

“Turned up to Baby Equipment Loan Service & Toy Library this morning (where I volunteer one day a week) to these beauties (pic of flowers) and a lovely card thanking me for my time. A wonderful gesture and I’m thrilled to be appreciated in such a way.”

I have taken a comments book into the Islamic Cultural Centre school aged groups for the children to write in if they wish.
“I like you here because you bring lots of games in”
“I love it when you come because the games are really fun and it makes mosque funner”
“I love it when you come because it’s really fun and I love to play with my friends.
“I love when you come because I get to play and play with my friends like A and K”
“bc it’s fun and I play with my friend like A and S.”
“I like it when you come bc it is fun and we get a mini break to play with our friends”

“is it ok to renew the toys for another month by any chance? E is really enjoying the phonics stuff and getting good use of it for learning to read in reception”

Great Grandmother hiring equipment for her great grand daughter coming over from the USA came to view the project “This is great it’s just what I need for my family visiting”…. “You have been so helpful”. Hired a swing seat, cot, buggy, baby monitor, bath and a 2 toy membership.

The toy library enabled us to delete Youtube. My 5 year old was becoming addicted to watching Youtube on TV so we came and got lots of Lego out and then deleted the app. My son played with the Lego before and after school instead of watching TV and everyone is happier and calm and his behaviour has improved.

Toy Library Member

My daughter and I love this playgroup. She gets to play with a different selection of toys each time, everything is clean and well cared for. The snacks are healthy and varied and the tea, coffee and a friendly face/kind ear for parents/carers is very much appreciated. We always feel welcomed and supported and my daughter has made some lovely friends. 

Rebecca

 We adore the toy library as my little ones get to choose new toys every month so don’t get bored of the same ones. It’s a huge cost and plastic saving too, so everyone’s a winner. The team are always so helpful with choosing if I can’t see the wood for the tree with the huge selection! 

Sarah

A fantastic service, lovely staff and just a great idea! The toy library is such  treasure trove and little ones love trying out fun new toys every month and it means he never gets bored. Plus we have much less clutter in the house now. Feels like an environmentally friendly, community approach and the toys are well looked after and enjoyed by lots of different children which is a lovely feeling.

Caroline

 What a fantastic idea, as a mother of two the money we've saved is incredible. As there is a big range of toys it's meant the kids have tried toys we wouldn't ordinarily buy risk free. 

The playgroup is really sweet with a further chance to play with the toys and have a chat. Both my children have really enjoyed going. The fact that its free and the kids get a snack is a bonus.

 Marie

 When our highchair broke unexpectedly I was so grateful to find out that BELS offered a Baby Equipment Loan Service. The staff were very friendly and accommodating and were able to provide a highchair in perfect condition for a minimal price. I would highly recommend this service - it was a cost-effective option during the financially stretched time that maternity leave can be.

Charlotte