Who We Are
A LITTLE ABOUT US
The Play & Leisure Opportunity Library is a unique project based in Swansea, South Wales and the first play and leisure library for children and adults with a disability in the UK. We are a registered charity providing specialist toys and leisure equipment through a lending library service. The library is open to individuals and families in the community as well as centres, clubs and professionals such as Teachers, Support Workers, Childminders or Foster Carers who support children or adults with a disability.
For a small annual fee, members can access a range of over 500 items including multi sensory and specialist equipment. Library stock can be borrowed for a month at a time, or longer by arrangement. We offer a limited collection and delivery service to members living in the Swansea area but everyone is welcome to join wherever you live. You’ll need to visit us at the library to borrow toys or equipment. We also offer therapeutic play sessions, advice and lots of support for members to learn, develop new skills and enjoy life to the full.
Our Timeline
The Play and Leisure Opportunity Library offers:
- Specialist and therapeutic toys or leisure equipment on loan for a month at a time (up to two items)
- A collection and delivery service within the Swansea locality (subject to funding)
- Advice and support on activities and tips to use your leisure equipment appropriately.
We are always happy to listen and provide support for families and carers - Practical strategies to manage behaviour to encourage Play Skills, for all ages
- Information on other services available in the community
- Play sessions at home if you are finding it particularly hard to engage in play
(subject to staff resources and funding) - Stay and Play Sessions for children at our centres in Swansea
- Siblings can also use the service for an additional fee
- Big Play (subject to funding)
Meet The Team
The day to day of the Play & Leisure Opportunity Library is run by a small, dedicated team of individuals. Our permanent staff can be seen below.
We also have an array of volunteers that support some of the sessions.
Kelly O’Connor
Project Leader
Emma Reay
Specialist Playworker
Anne Barker
Specialist Playworker
Karen Fox
Specialist Playworker
Kerri Morgan
Specialist Playworker
Antonio De Marco
Specialist Playworker
Jenny Charles
Specialist Playworker
Shankari Sivakumaran
Specialist Playworker
Siwan Matthews
Specialist Playworker
Danielle Rees
Specialist PlayworkerOur Directors
PLOL is managed by a small, dedicated group of Directors, who volunteer their time to manage and support this service…
Our Patron
Dean Thomas-Welch | ITV Wales
Dean was born in Swansea and grew up in Bonymaen. He studied at Swansea University before finishing his media degree in Bristol.
He has worked as a journalist for Swansea Sound, BBC and ITV and over the past decade has travelled all over the world covering major events.
“I was asked to become patron of The Play and Leisure Opportunity Library in 2016 and I am proud to be associated with this wonderful charity and the amazing service it provides to adults, parents and children in the community.”
