Colchester Toy Library

14/04/2026

We were delighted to be invited to the opening of the new Community Centre in West Mersea, located inside the Co‑op Store on Barfield Road.

Julie and I attended the afternoon session, where we met Angela Carpenter, the Community Support Lead for the project. It was a lovely opportunity to meet new faces as well as reconnect with long‑standing friends of the Toy Library.

We were also able to showcase the Toy Library with our banner and display board. Because the Community Space opens directly onto the busy Co‑op store, we enjoyed a steady stream of interest from passing shoppers, a ready‑made audience for any charity.

The space is bright, welcoming, and a fantastic platform for raising awareness and engaging with the local community. If you’d like to learn more about the Community Space or are interested in using it, the information and QR code are included below.

East of England Co-op

Chris Earey | Chairperson | April 2025

08/04/2026

The Toy Library is supporting the Family Fest and we are running a
Children’s Tombola.
We are looking for the Tombola, donations of any unwanted New Toys.
All money taken on the Tombola will go to the running costs of the Toy Library.
Donations can be left at the Toy Library during our opening sessions
TUES/WED/FRIDAY 10.30am-12.30pm
Thank you!

15/03/2026

15/01/2026

It is with regret that we have decided to close the SEN sessions held on the first Tuesday afternoon of the month. This is due to poor attendance. If anyone is interested in these sessions re -starting, we would be happy to hear from you. Please contact us on [email protected]

14/01/2026

We hope all of you enjoyed your Christmas break and wish everyone a Very Happy New Year.

The Toy Library reopened on Tuesday 13th January after the Christmas and New Year break.

As from January, to ensure the safety of the children and to keep play fun and focused, we ask that mobile phones are not used during the play sessions.

02/12/2025

Our wonderful volunteers and committee members came together to celebrate Christmas with festive wine and plenty of nibbles. It was a joy to spend the evening surrounded by these incredible people who generously give their time and energy to ensure our Toy Library goes from strength to strength. Merry Christmas, everyone! A special thank you to The Colchester Officers Tennis Club for hosting us.

24/10/2025

Our Toy Library is looking for friendly volunteers to help run our Stay and Play sessions on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10:30am to 12:30pm.

If you, or someone you know, would enjoy supporting local families and having fun with toys, we’d love to hear from you!

Please contact Chris Earey at [email protected] for more details.

08/10/2025

Please support Colchester Toy Library on easyfundraising today - you'll raise FREE donations for us with all your online shopping.

The lead-up to Christmas really is the best time to sign up! Just one supporter could raise over £45 for us during the festive period - imagine what we could all do together.
Click here to register: https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/support-a-good-cause/step-1/?char=7496&invite=0vdp8c&referral-campaign=c2s&utm_medium=email&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=referral-2025&utm_term=CE060&utm_content=socialshare
Thank you! 🥰

Help us when you shop with 7,000+ brands. Join now.

17/09/2025

We’re on the lookout for a talented and energetic person to take on the important role of Chairperson.
Anyone interested, please contact us by email [email protected] before Tuesday, 14th October.

30/06/2025

Don't forget, we are holding our SEN session tomorrow afternoon, July 1st. Please come along between 1:00 and 2:30 to enjoy some calm playtime and SEN toys. No need to prebook, just turn up!