A long-established community charity in Flixton has been awarded £5,000 to help tackle loneliness, improve wellbeing and create new opportunities for older residents to connect with others.
The Toy House has secured funding through Trafford's Older Adults Wellbeing Grant programme, commissioned by Trafford Council and administered by Trafford Community Collective. The funding supports local activities that promote the "Five Ways to Wellbeing" among people aged 65 and over: Connect, Get Active, Take Notice, Learn and Give.
The investment comes as Trafford's latest Public Health Annual Report, Thriving in Later Life, calls for greater support for community-based activities that help older people stay connected, active and independent, recognising that strong social networks and meaningful opportunities to contribute are key to healthy ageing.
The grant is enabling The Toy House to build on a range of successful programmes already running at its Flixton base, all of which provide opportunities for social interaction, physical activity, learning and peer support.
Councillor George Devlin, who is the Chair of Trustees at The Toy House, said:
"We were really pleased to receive £5,000 through the Older Adults Wellbeing Grant programme. What worked so well about the funding was that it allowed us to strengthen activities we already knew were making a difference.
"These sessions bring people together, help reduce loneliness and isolation, and provide a welcoming space where people can find friendship, support and a sense of belonging. For many people, Toy House has become a vital part of their support network and community life."
Established in 1981 as the Delamere Toy and Tape Library, The Toy House was founded by Beryl Davis, Eve Hamlett and teacher Margaret Penrose to provide resources and support for children with additional needs and their families. Operating from Delamere School, it quickly became not just a toy library, but a source of friendship and support for local parents.
Today, The Toy House supports people of all ages, with much of its work now focused on helping older adults stay active, connected and engaged.
The charity's programme for older residents includes cream teas, walking groups, knitting sessions, arts and crafts, history and biography talks, music evenings, Chatty Café gatherings, quizzes, wellbeing sessions and seasonal social events.
Business and Resource Manager Jan Horan, who first came to the charity as a parent before becoming a volunteer and later joining the staff team, said:
"It's all about getting together. You see people come in shy and lacking confidence, and a few weeks later they've made lots of friends. We've seen friendships develop, people going on holiday together, and even marriages. Without Toy House, their paths would never have crossed."
Manager Margaret Bamber, who first came to The Toy House as a parent before joining the organisation in 1996, said:
"Today we support more adults than children and continue adapting our services to meet local needs."
For many people, the greatest benefit of The Toy House is the sense of friendship and belonging it provides.
Brian Frost, 84, who regularly attends quizzes and social sessions, summed up its appeal simply: "It's good to talk to people."
Volunteer Roger Stevens first came to The Toy House with his wife after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. "Everybody here made a fuss of us and made us feel welcome," he said.
Following his wife's death, Roger chose to continue volunteering and now runs quizzes and activities for visitors.
"I've got to the stage where I'm putting back what I owe, because of what I received from everybody here. Everybody gets on so well with each other. They're absolutely great people."
Founder member Beryl Davis said she remains amazed by how far the organisation has come since its modest beginnings.
"The three of us put it together," she said. "Sometimes I look around and think it started with the three of us in a little reception area. It's unbelievable how it has blossomed. Anybody and everybody is welcome. Everybody's special and everybody deserves respect."
Councillor George Devlin added:
"The funding has made a real difference to the people who use Toy House, helping us build on activities that are already changing lives. I'd encourage other community organisations with ideas to support older residents' wellbeing to apply and take advantage of this fantastic opportunity."
Other Trafford-based voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations can also apply for the Older Adults Wellbeing Grant to help improve health and wellbeing for people aged 65 and over. Details can be found on the Trafford Community Collective website.