“Play and Chat” at Nunthorpe Methodist Church

For a decade now, the Play and Chat group at Nunthorpe Methodist Church in Middlesborough has been a place where toddlers explore, parents take time to rest and grandparents can connect. What began as an idea from three recently retired speech and language therapists, Julie O'Key, Lorraine Herring and Judy Offiler, has grown into a thriving community that now welcomes around 40 children every week, supported by a dedicated team of volunteers, some of them from the church family.

Julie O’Key is a long-standing member of Nunthorpe Methodist Church; she remembers how the idea took shape. “We had this big space, experience of children and I thought it would be nice to run a playgroup,” she recalls. The church embraced the vision, helped raise £29,000 and transformed the hall and outdoor area into a fun, child‑friendly space.

Parents, grandparents and the occasional childminder gather each week for a mix of free-form play, crafts, dressing up, books, singing and stories.

“It’s community outreach but it’s also mission. We set the tone that this is a Christian environment. God is definitely here, having a good time,” says Julie.

Some of the volunteers bring professional expertise from careers in speech, physio and occupational therapy. This has quietly become one of the group’s most valued gifts. “We make it known that parents can approach us,” says Julie. “We’ve signposted a lot of children for developmental support.”

Lorraine Herring is another of those who helped establish the group and continues to run the activities, “It’s a big responsibility. Even though parents stay, there are a lot of people we have to take care of.  We support the families and we support each other as volunteers.”

Emotional support is another part of the group’s work. “This is quite an affluent area,” Lorraine explains, “but many young professionals move here away from family. They’re lonely. By coming to the playgroup, they form a social network that’s relaxed and friendly.”

Rachel is one of those who treasures the friendships she has made, “All the mums, dads and grandparents are friendly. It’s a really nice community.  As soon as my daughter gets out of the car, she gets excited. She heads straight in and she always sleeps afterwards, which is great!”

The group can be the cornerstone of the calendar confirms Gabby. “As a mum, it’s probably the highlight of my week,” she says. “Someone will get you a cup of tea, someone will hold the baby. It’s good for the children and good for the parents.”

Families who first arrive shy or isolated often return for church fairs, special services and seasonal celebrations. Others simply know that if life becomes difficult, someone at Play and Chat will listen.

The group has developed Praise and Play sessions that happen one Sunday each term, a Christian gathering with Bible stories, songs and creative activities. “We get 10 or so families and focus on the relevant season and its stories,” says volunteer coordinator Kay Braithwaite. “God is very much in the work we do here.”

Play and Chat is more than a playgroup. It is a ministry, shaped by the hospitality of the church, the dedication of its volunteers and the everyday presence of God.

As Julie puts it, “I see God here every week. It’s an absolute joy; caring for mums, babies, and children.”

Ten years on, the group continues to evolve and welcome new families. At the heart of it all is a Methodist church offering its space, its people and its love to the community it serves.