Funding boost for Anglesey churches to keep toddler group running

A group of churches on Anglesey has received £10,000 funding from the Church in Wales to continue running a popular toddler group that has become a vital lifeline for families in rural communities.

Bro Seiriol Ministry Area, in the Beaumaris area, secured funding from the Church in Wales Tier One Growth Fund. This fund helps local churches set up new and creative projects to share the Christian faith and support their communities.

Bro Seiriol is using the money towards their Camau Bach project, which provides support for parents with babies and toddlers. Bro Seiriol has no suitable buildings of their own to run community sessions and funding will enable them to host Camau Bach at the local village hall free of charge.

Camau Bach started in September 2023 when Anglesey County Council approached the Ministry Area to support a new parent and toddler initiative. Families in Llangoed had expressed a need for a place where parents with young children could meet up and access advice and support. The council had noticed a similar project run by churches in Menai Bridge and were keen to introduce something similar for Llangoed families.

The free sessions attract more than 20 children and 15 adults each week, providing a safe space for parents and carers to meet and access healthcare advice. Health visitors attend twice each half-term to weigh babies and offer guidance. This is particularly important in a rural area where public transport is limited.

The group has also welcomed visits from police, the mobile library, Citizens Advice Bureau, Cymraeg i Blant and County Council officers responsible for play, housing and childcare, creating a hub where families can access multiple services in one location.

A group of volunteers from local congregations help run each session, which provides toys, soft play, books, refreshments for adults and fruit for children. A bilingual sing-a-long session ends each meeting.

The Diocese of Bangor has also provided additional funding for buying Christmas story books, Easter goodies and discipleship resources for families.