The free boxes help turn parks into spaces where families and communities can play, learn, and connect with each other in nature, while addressing issues around childhood literacy.

The not-for-profit organisation has established six library boxes already, with the support from SES’s Better Future programme being used to set up a further six around the South Croydon Borough.

The boxes, which will be fully accessible and open to the public 24/7, will be looked after by a team of 11 parent volunteers – including the carpenter who hand-makes them.

Founder of ParkBox, Robert Dickinson, hopes that by making these resources accessible, caregivers will be encouraged to read to their kids, especially for lower income families who may not have easy access to books.

Robert said: “The idea came from personal experience of carrying a variety of toys and books to the park to entertain my son. I suddenly had the notion that these things should be readily available there.

“Childhood literacy is such a vital area of development and we know that putting educational resources in convenient locations improves access beyond traditional sources such as shops or libraries.

 “We can’t thank SES Water enough for this generous support and the chance to put six more ParkBox hubs around the Croydon area. The size of the grant is just perfect for small community initiatives like us.”

A Croydon parent and ParkBox user, said: “I think it’s a wonderful initiative! On walks it has really motivated my daughter to reach the ParkBox and discover what is inside. We often borrow an item, like a magnifying glass, to explore insects on our walk.”

Kristy Poulton, Event Coordinator at SES Water, said: “We’re proud to be supporting an organisation like ParkBox as the work they do is so important. With nearly a million UK children lacking access to books, particularly during the cost-of-living crisis, Croydon ParkBox places resources in accessible locations for families of all income levels.

“It’s the perfect example of the kind grassroots ideas our Better Future programme was designed to support.”

SES Water’s Better Future programme is inviting local community projects to apply for funding to help support people across the region and unlock opportunities to bring positive change.

For more information, visit Better Futures Fund | SES Water