It seems it is never too early to become computer-literate - as these lockdown toddlers are proving!

The Water Lily Project charity in Christchurch is offering free online play sessions to toddlers in Christchurch and the surrounding areas.

Thanks to funding by The National Lottery, this charity, which supports vulnerable women in the local area, is transferring the concept of its real-life, multi-generational Chatterbox sessions online.

Parents with babies and toddlers can enjoy half an hour of someone else reading stories, playing games and doing fun activities via Zoom, all suitable for toddlers up to the age of four. The sessions via Zoom are taking place every Tuesday throughout February and March from 10.30am to 11am.

Every week there is a theme and parents can sign up and receive a free resources pack (so no need to have to buy craft materials etc) for each session so their child can interact fully. For children who attend every session, there is a gift of free toys that will be able to be collected from The Water Lily Project once lockdown has lifted.

A multi-generational initiative to bring old and young together for companionship, Chatterbox also welcomes the elderly and their carers to join them online and have a chatter with the little ones.

The Water Lily Project’s Jan Crawford said: “Looking after a toddler is exhausting at the best of times. Add lockdown to that and parents in our community are finding it very hard. We really hope offering half an hour of help every Tuesday throughout February and March will help a little.”

Sue Daly, who runs the Chatterbox sessions added: “Our vision for this project has always been multigenerational, so we also welcome the elderly and their carers to join in. Many older people are missing their grandchildren and companionship. Chatterbox is a fun way to lift their spirits.”

Young or old, if you would like to take part in Chatterbox online, email admin@waterlilyproject.org.uk