Free Actif Loan Bags now available for families through Carmarthenshire’s Library Service

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Actif Communities Team has partnered with the Council’s Library Service to offer families free access to activity equipment and games designed to support young children’s physical development.

The project has been created to promote physical activity and skill development beyond early years settings, schools and community venues. It helps children develop essential movement skills such as running, jumping, throwing, catching and kicking-skills that support everyday life, build confidence and transfer across all sports, helping children feel confident and ready to take part in physical activity as they grow.

Loan bags are aimed at younger children, encouraging parents, carers and siblings to get active together through fun, simple activities that can be done anywhere, including at home, in the garden or outdoors. Each bag contains a selection of sports equipment alongside a resource booklet packed with activity cards, game ideas, coaching tips and suggestions for alternative household items that can be used if equipment isn’t available. Families borrow a bag in the same way as a library book and can loan more than one bag if needed.

The bags are available free of charge from Llanelli, Carmarthen, and Ammanford libraries, with plans to expand access through additional libraries in the future. The libraries also host Actif Stori Time sessions, which bring stories to life through movement, helping children develop physical skills in a fun, interactive way. Families can contact their local library branch for further details.

The impact of the scheme has already been seen by local childcare providers. Julia, a Carmarthenshire childminder, said:

We use the loan bag resources several times a week and have seen real improvements in the children’s confidence, balance, and throwing skills. The activities are easy to set up, fun to use indoors and outdoors, and encourage children of different ages to play and learn together. The booklet is especially practical and child-friendly, and the children really enjoy choosing and helping to set up the activities."

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture & Tourism, Cllr Hazel Evans, said:

We’re thrilled to see the Actif Loan Bag Project and Stori Time sessions back in our libraries. These initiatives make it easy for families to get active, have fun together, and support children’s development from an early age. Libraries are at the heart of our communities, and it’s fantastic to see them not only acting as collection points but also hosting activities that bring stories and movement to life. We hope even more families will take advantage of these free resources and enjoy spending quality time together."

Actif Communities Team has also introduced a new ‘Skill of the Month’ initiative. Each month, a short video focuses on a different physical skill, offering simple coaching tips and ideas to adapt activities. The videos are aimed primarily at pre-school and Foundation Phase children and are available on the Actif website (actif.wales) and Actif’s social media channels.

By working together, Actif Communities and Carmarthenshire Libraries are making it easier for families to access free, practical resources that support children to move more, build confidence, and develop a love for being active from an early age.