A play group in Colchester is looking forward to the start of a new school year in September, after receiving funding for its annual rent from Bellway.
The housebuilder, which is building new homes at Hollytree Walk on the eastern edge of Colchester, has donated £975 to St Andrew’s Stay and Play Group.
The money will pay for the rent of the classroom and outdoor space at Unity Primary Academy in Greenstead, which the group uses on Wednesday mornings in term time.
St Andrew’s Stay and Play Group comes under the umbrella of the parish churches of St Andrew, St Anne and St Matthew in Colchester, which serve the Greenstead and St Anne’s communities to the east of the city.
Maria Read, Parish Outreach Worker for Greenstead with St Anne’s, said: “This donation is hugely beneficial to us as it will enable us to remain in a familiar environment for the families we serve.
“As a donation-based, not-for-profit toddler group, we feel no one should be turned away because of their financial status. In the current financial climate, the donation from Bellway will enable us to keep our group open and we are all very grateful for their backing and support.”
St Andrew’s Stay and Play was established in November 2021 in the aftermath of the Covid pandemic as there were no other toddler groups in Greenstead to support local families.
The group gives toddlers the opportunity to explore and play in a safe environment, encouraging them to interact with others and developing their confidence and independence.
Emma Hawkins, Sales Manager for Bellway Essex, said: “We were keen to ensure that St Andrew’s Stay and Play can continue to support toddlers and families in the local area and our donation will enable them to pay for the facilities they need to do so.
“This donation forms part of our commitment to support the local community in Colchester as our new development at Hollytree Walk takes shape.”
Bellway is building 145 new homes at Hollytree Walk, off Bromley Road. Of these, 101 homes are for private sale, while 44 are affordable homes available for local people through shared ownership or rent.
