Popular Hackney soft play centre launches £60k fundraiser to kit out new home

Local councillors from all parties joined Kidzmania manager Jocelyn Crome (third from right) to support the campaign. Photograph: courtesy Alastair Binnie-Lubbock

Beloved local soft play centre Kidzmania is appealing for help in giving its new venue a modern fit-out – particularly for children with disabilities.

After 30 years serving the children of Hackney – and parents in need of a coffee and a break – Kidzmania has been offered the chance to take up roomy new digs on Powell Road in Clapton.

They’re just a stone’s throw from the community interest company’s former site on the same street.

Developer Peabody is to thank for the new space, and has even chipped in for the initial work, but Kidzmania still needs £60,000 for essential equipment.

The team is now asking for the public’s support after launching a crowdfunder that runs until 19 July.

The campaign, called ‘Power Up Playtime’, is aiming to create a more engaging environment, especially for sensory sessions for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Kidzmania manager Jocelyn Crome said: “We’re so thrilled about the chance to move into the new space! It’s a wonderful opportunity to create an even better experience for the children and families.

“This new venue will allow us to do even more for the community.”

She highlighted the importance of upgrading facilities for SEND children, adding: “We’ve been running free SEND sessions and they make a real difference, especially when kids are transitioning through school years.”

Donors to the crowdfunder will be celebrated on a ‘wall of thanks’ at Kidzmania’s new home, and the ball has started rolling, with over £2,000 raised in the first few days.

Other rewards include free sessions, party discounts, hot drinks at the cafe, and even sponsorships of specific play equipment for local businesses.

One contributor wrote: “You are a lifesaver for those of us with small kids and such an important part of the community.”

Another added: “Such a pillar of the community – here’s to many more decades for the kids of Hackney!”

Councillors from all political parties have formed an action group to support Kidzmania.

Co-leader of the local Green group, Cllr Alastair Binnie-Lubbock, helped set up the crowdfunder.

He said: “Everyone recognises the hugely significant contribution Kidzmania has made to Hackney communities over the decades.

“This is our opportunity to say thank you, give something back and ensure this community interest company thrives into the future.”

Kidzmania’s finance officer Anthony Kingsley said: “The £60,000 will go a long way to making sure that the new space is as exciting and enjoyable as possible for the children who come.

“We’ll be investing significant sums and have been promised some help with the fit-out by Peabody, but we need all the support we can get.

“If we don’t reach the target, the money will go towards us achieving our community purposes, but with the help of the community we believe we can hit our target!”

You can donate to the campaign at crowdfunder.co.uk/p/kidzmania.