The garden was officially opened on 9 June by the Mayor of Leominster, Cllr Gill Murdoch and the ward member for Leominster East, Cllr Jenny Bartlett, marking the launch of the free Stay and Play sessions, a key part of the Government’s Best Start in Life initiative.

The previously unused garden has been transformed into an inclusive, safe space for children to explore with the support of Leominster in Bloom, donations from local businesses and voluntary work by staff and the local community.

Delivered jointly by professionals from Herefordshire Council and Wye Valley NHS Trust, the fortnightly Stay and Play sessions take place on Tuesdays from 1pm to 2.30pm and are open to families with young children aged 0-5 years and include full use of the new garden. 

The sessions support early learning and development in children through fun, play based activities. They also play an important role in early identification of additional needs, helping families to access the right support at the right time.

Stay and Play sessions are being rolled out at family hubs across the county and are also available at Hereford, Leominster, Ross-on-Wye and Ledbury libraries.

Councillor Ivan Powell, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “We are delighted to be offering these sessions through our local family hubs and libraries to help families connect with local services.

“These sessions provide welcoming inside and outdoor spaces where parents and carers can meet others, while relaxing with their children as they learn through play. This helps to support their child’s development and gives them the best possible start before they begin school.”

Emma Smith, Divisional Nurse Director/Deputy Chief Nursing Officer at Wye Valley NHS Trust, added: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Herefordshire Council to deliver these sessions. Led by skilled practitioners, they give parents and carers the tools and confidence to support their child’s learning and development, both during the sessions and at home through play.”