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Sustainability Starts with … Soap?

At the Village Storytelling Centre, we’ve been looking for ways to make our day-to-day operations more sustainable. One of the easy but effective changes we made was switching our cleaning products to more environmentally-friendly alternatives.

Previously, we relied on standard cleaning supplies from the supermarket, which meant lots of harsh chemicals in plastic bottles. Now, all our hand soap, dish soap and cleaning spray come from Miniml and Smol, companies that use more sustainable ingredients and cut out single-use plastic. We also replaced our bleach with an eco-friendly alternative that comes in a paper packet, reducing packaging waste and shipping impact.

We’re making other green changes too, like working to cut down on food waste and minimise single-use products. And, we have plans to create a management system for all our materials to reduce overbuying and encourage reuse.

Sustainability is an ongoing process, and we’re excited to keep building on these efforts 🙂

We are delighted to offer another opportunity for three Emerging Storytellers to take part in a fully paid, 12-week placement.

Emerging Storytellers will receive structured support throughout the 12-week placement from the VSC team to hone their craft in oral storytelling and gain skills in applied methods.

Please click here for the full brief and details on how to apply!

Closing date 3rd March 2025.

Connecting Through Story: Bonding with Baby and Building Community

In the early months of parenthood, connection is everything. From the gentle touch that reassures a newborn to the shared experiences that bring parents together, these bonds shape our journey in profound ways. That’s the heart of Connecting Stories—a space designed for parents and carers with babies up to one year old to nurture both their connection with their child and their relationships with other parents.

The Power of Connection

From the moment they’re born, babies rely on connection for comfort, learning, and emotional security. Touch, movement, and eye contact all help babies feel safe and loved, while familiar voices and gentle storytelling create a foundation for language and communication. But connection isn’t just about baby—it’s also about parents.

Parenting, especially in the first year, can feel isolating. Having a space to share experiences, swap stories, and build friendships with others who truly get it can be invaluable. That’s why Connecting Stories is more than just a class—it’s a place for parents and carers to meet, chat, and grow alongside others in the same stage of life.

How We Connect in Sessions

These sessions are carefully designed to encourage bonding in different ways. Each 4- or 5-week block explores practices that foster connection through touch, movement, and shared experience.

• Movement (Feb 5 – Mar 5)
  Babies love to move! Gentle baby yoga techniques help soothe and settle little ones while encouraging physical development. Through movement-based storytelling, we explore ways to connect with your baby in class and at home—making storytime an interactive, engaging experience.
• Touch (Mar 12 – Apr 2)
  Touch is one of the most powerful ways to communicate love and security to a baby. This block includes baby massage techniques and other sensory activities designed to deepen the parent-baby bond, promote relaxation, and provide practical ways to soothe and comfort.

Throughout each session, we weave in elements of storytelling, singing, and group conversation—creating a warm, welcoming environment for both babies and their grown-ups.

Find Out More

Connecting Stories runs in blocks throughout the year for parents and carers with babies up to one year old. To find out when the next block is running, check our social media or email sarah@villagestorytelling.org.uk.

Whether you’re looking to try something new, build your confidence as a parent, or simply meet others on the same journey, we’d love to welcome you.

Come for the stories, stay for the connections!