The Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales has invested £40,000 in two Portsmouth-based charities aimed at tackling disadvantage.
Connors Toy Libraries which provides play sessions for children across the Portsmouth area and Haslar Visitors Group a charity that runs a drop-in centre for refugees and asylum seekers have both received funding for their work.
For over 30 years Connors Toy Libraries has run weekly volunteer-led community toy libraries which offer children under the age of five the chance to play and borrow toys. The charity also operates a befriending service offering families home support and advice. A two-year grant of £20,000 was awarded to the charity which will contribute towards the salary of a part-time outreach worker who will visit isolated families, support them to use the toy libraries and help them enhance their child’s development and communication skills.
Jacqui Ingram, Secretary, Connors Toy Libraries, said: “Thanks to this funding from the Lloyds TSB Foundation we will be able to support vulnerable families who for a variety of reasons need help and encouragement in caring for their children. "
Haslar Visitors Group runs a twice weekly drop-in centre in Portsmouth city centre for refugees and asylum seekers. Clients receive advice and information from professionals on a range of issues such as housing and medical care. The charity received a two-year grant of £20,000 from the Lloyds TSB Foundation which will contribute towards salaries, venue hire and catering costs.
Anne Dickinson, Co-ordinator, Haslar Visitors Group, explained: “Refugees and asylum seekers are some of the most deprived people in the UK, many living below the poverty line. This funding will allow us to continue to support men, women and children who are building new lives and allow them to access fundamental services and become a part of their community.”
