Our story
Our story
Local mum of 2, Helen became involved with the friends of her children’s school during the Covid lockdowns. In September 2021 she successfully coordinated a team of volunteers to bring back the toddler group that had stopped at the beginning of lockdown. Helen took a poster to share an event with the baby group at Sale West Community centre. This was a group she had enjoyed previously with her own young children. The caretaker informed Her that the group had not returned since the covid lockdowns and she was introduced to the Project manager of Our Sale West, Clare. Helen reached out for volunteers and Teresa, Maria, Monica, Laura and Connie also felt this was a much needed group, especially after the isolation of covid. They all wanted to provide a space for babies, toddlers and their parents and carers to meet other local families, play, chat and find out about local services.
Local mum of 2, Helen became involved with the friends of her children’s school during the Covid lockdowns. In September 2021 she successfully coordinated a team of volunteers to bring back the toddler group that had stopped at the beginning of lockdown. Helen took a poster to share an event with the baby group at Sale West Community centre. This was a group she had enjoyed previously with her own young children. The caretaker informed Her that the group had not returned since the covid lockdowns and she was introduced to the Project manager of Our Sale West, Clare. Helen reached out for volunteers and Teresa, Maria, Monica, Laura and Connie also felt this was a much needed group, especially after the isolation of covid. They all wanted to provide a space for babies, toddlers and their parents and carers to meet other local families, play, chat and find out about local services.
After meeting with Clare, project manager, a community grant was secured through Our Sale West to hire a space in the community centre and cover expenses. Local supermarkets have donated supplies and other funding applications are underway to help with the set up and running costs. Helen has raised funds through sponsorship for running the Manchester 10K. The free bookshop in Sale has donated some books and family, friends and the local community have generously donated toys and baby items. Volunteer, Teresa has made floor cushions and painted some toddler chairs for the group and she and the other volunteers have worked hard to collect items and ensure the group could start.
After meeting with Clare, project manager, a community grant was secured through Our Sale West to hire a space in the community centre and cover expenses. Local supermarkets have donated supplies and other funding applications are underway to help with the set up and running costs. Helen has raised funds through sponsorship for running the Manchester 10K. The free bookshop in Sale has donated some books and family, friends and the local community have generously donated toys and baby items. Volunteer, Teresa has made floor cushions and painted some toddler chairs for the group and she and the other volunteers have worked hard to collect items and ensure the group could start.
We welcomed 15 babies and toddlers at our first Sunbeams Sale West session and more have visited us since. the group hopes to meet more families and mini sunbeams as we grow!
We welcomed 15 babies and toddlers at our first Sunbeams Sale West session and more have visited us since. the group hopes to meet more families and mini sunbeams as we grow!