- Thursday
- 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- The Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square, Reading, RG1 3BE, UK
- Children up to age 7
Our Thursday Toddler’s Group is a welcoming play-focused session for families with young children. Meeting weekly, it’s a place for kids to have fun and for parents to connect and find support in a friendly, multicultural environment.
Who We Are
Our Thursday Toddler’s Group provides a welcoming, play-focused environment for families with young children. Meeting every Thursday from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm in the downstairs hall at Abbey Baptist Church, this group initially served local asylum-seeker families, offering free sessions and plenty of donated toys. Today, we continue to open our doors to parents and children from diverse international backgrounds, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of central Reading.
Our Journey & Growth
Since our start in the summer of 2021, our attendance has fluctuated, sometimes peaking at as many as 20 children. Though numbers have since returned to a more manageable size, this actually benefits both families and volunteers. Smaller groups give our helpers the chance to chat with mums more personally, providing parenting support, encouragement, and friendship.
A Diverse Community
Over the years, we’ve welcomed families from Nepal and various other countries. Recently, many of our regular attendees have come from India, often here through their husbands’ IT work contracts. This international blend of cultures helps children and parents alike form meaningful connections, fostering a sense of community, understanding, and belonging at Abbey Baptist Church.
Join our cultivating team
As our group continues to attract new families, we’re looking for more helpers to ensure everyone receives the attention and care they deserve. Whether you’re skilled at organizing play areas, sharing stories, preparing light snacks, or simply offering a warm smile, your presence can make a real difference. If you feel called to support this ministry, we invite you to get involved and help us nurture a loving environment where children and parents alike can flourish.