FAQs
MEMBERSHIP
What kinds of groups are eligible to join?
Any group working with children, young people or community groups is eligible to join. For a full list of membership categories and fees, please download an application form For any further information call Nicola Hobson, our Administrator on 028 90 357546.
Can our group join if we are based in the south of Ireland?
Yes, as long as you meet our criteria. Click here to see if you are eligible to join.
How do I renew my membership – do I need to fill in a new form?
No, simply fill in the renewal slip attached to your reminder letter and forward with your payment to Play Resource. Letters are automatically sent out a month in advance of your renewal date.
How long does the membership last for?
Membership lasts for one year from the 18th of the month you join.
Can I use Play Resource as a one off?
No, unfortunately not. Your group must be a current member, and you must be listed under their membership as a named cardholder.
Can I bring in a group?
Requests to bring in groups should be made to the Deputy Director, Gail McGarvey on 028 9035 7547, who will facilitate them whenever possible.
I’m a trainee teacher – can I join individually?
Unfortunately not, however schools are eligible to join. So check whether your placement school is already a member, and if not encourage them to join!
What supporting documentation do I need when joining?
Your group will need to provide an official document stating the name of your organisation. This can include your constitution, latest set of audited accounts or a copy of your latest bank statement. If you are paying by company cheque in the name of the group this will surfice and we do not need additional information.
- Note: If you are a Playgroup or a registered Childminder we must have a copy of your Social Services Certificate of Registration.
- Note: As an Artist you will need to provide the name of two referees in support of your work as a Community Artist. These references must be on headed paper.
MEMBERSHIP CARDS
What do you mean when you refer to cardholders?
When a group joins Play Resource and pays their membership fee, they specify four cardholders who can collect on their behalf. These will be the only people able to use the centre under that membership, and they will be issued with their own personal photographic cards.
Who is on the list of cardholders for my group?
Call the Shop Team on 028 90 357545 or our Administrator, Nicola Hobson on 028 9035 7546 for assistance.
How can I add/change cardholders?
Download a change of cardholder form here. Forms must be signed by the head of the group and returned to us with payment. Each name change incurs a fee of £2.50.
We are waiting for our cards and never received them?
We do not post out cards. Once a group has joined a photograph is taken on each named cardholders’ first visit and their personal card is printed out on the spot. Photographs are taken at our reception desk, so no need to supply one!
I’ve lost my card, can I get another?
We can print out a replacement card in the shop, but we require a £2.50 fee to cover printing costs.
Can I use somebody else’s card / give my card to someone else?
No, cards are non-transferable with photographic verification.
Do I need to bring a photo with me for my card?
No, shop staff will take a digital photo at the reception desk on your visit to Play Resource and print your card there and then.
SHOP
Does the shop open through lunch?
The shop does not close for lunch. For full details of our opening hours click here.
How do I find out if you stock a specific item?
Either download our full Price List , browse our range of Products , or simply call the Shop Team on 028 90 357545 who will be happy to help.
Do you accept Euros?
Unfortunately we only accept Sterling (££). Any cheques sent from the Republic of Ireland must be a Sterling banker’s draft. We also accept credit and debit cards.
How does a group raise an invoice for goods?
When purchasing goods on invoice you will now be required to provide some form of evidence to show that you are authorized to purchase goods on behalf of your group. Full details are outlined in the Shop Invoice Guidelines .
Who can I speak to about an invoice?
Our Administrator, Nicola Hobson, can deal with any queries. Contact her on 028 9035 7546.
WASTE
What types of scrap do you have in stock?
A full list of our latest scrap materials is available to download here and browse the Scrap Store to see what’s there!
How can I donate waste to Play Resource?
If you are a firm who has non-toxic waste materials to donate to us, please contact our Resources Supervisor, Paul Rosato, on 028 90 357543 who will be happy to discuss arranging a free collection service.
Do you get furniture/paint/carpet?
Yes, from time to time but items are donated on an ad hoc basis which means we cannot take orders for specific items. To keep up to date with what’s just in sign up for our free monthly e-bulletin.
How much waste can you take per visit?
Members can collect as often as they like and collect as much as they need, within reason. We ask that you stick to the limits set on certain items as these can be in short supply, and we try to share them around member groups.
Can I purchase waste if I am not a member?
No, as we are a membership organisation. It is only by paying the annual membership fee that gives access to the Scrap Store to collect waste materials and use the other service available. Visit Membership to see if you are be eligible to join.
Can I bring children into the warehouse?
Yes, but they must be supervised at all times.
Do you have trolleys available?
We do, but ask that parents/guardians do not put children in the trolleys with scrap for health and safety reasons. Take care not to overload your trolley – if needed, please take two!
Can you deliver?
We do not have a delivery service at present.
Can I fill my trolley and collect it later?
Unfortunately not, due to space restrictions.
Can I receive regular updates on incoming scrap?
Absolutely, follow us on Twitter or sign up to our monthly e-bulletin to receive regular updates from us.
What if I wish to bring unused scrap materials back?
Reduce, reuse and recycle – we are happy to accept excess scrap back. By all means return it to the centre and ask warehouse staff for assistance.
Can I donate household waste?
No, as the waste donated by suppliers is non-toxic and carefully vetted for children to use. Contact Bryson House if you wish to recycle household waste.
ARTS
What is Creative Paths?
This is our arts programme designed to increase children and young people’s participation in the arts and creative play. Creative Paths gives groups access to experienced artists, fresh ideas, new skills and increased confidence to deliver arts activities.
It offers groups access to:
• High quality affordable workshops and arts projects in a variety of community and educational settings
• A range of arts training that supports personal and professional development of anyone working with children and young people.
How do I apply for Creative Paths?
You need to be a current member of Play Resource working with children and young people aged 3-25 years. If so, fill in an application form and return it to Play Resource.
How do I access a community artist?
There are two methods – you can contact our Arts Manager, Bridget Lindsay, on 028 9035 7542 who can work with you to arrange a suitable project and artist to suit your needs, or download our Artist List if you wish to find and contact an artist directly yourself.
What arts training workshops do you offer?
We run two rounds of seasonal Arts Workshops per year in house at Play Resource. To be kept up to date on the latest news sign up for our e-bulletin , or follow us on Twitter. Or we can tailor a training programme for your staff. Click here to find out more.
Can children attend workshops at Play Resource?
No, unfortunately the workshops we run in-house are only suitable for adults. If you wish to arrange a workshop for your group with children, please download a Creative Paths application form or contact Arts Manager, Bridget Lindsay on 028 9035 7542.
