International LEGO® Day helps Bournemouth children get creative

On International LEGO® Day, one local business is stacking up the pieces to build community spirit.

Bournemouth’s self-proclaimed “LEGO® – lady” set up the Little Brick Club to provide a learning space for young children to play.

AK Cunningham, a 41-year-old from Bournemouth set up an after-school club for school children to have a calm activity of building fun creations after a busy day in the classroom.

The mother of two started out her business adventure to be able to spend more time with her children which has now boomed into a successful business.

AK feels that LEGO® is for all ages and is a good way to manage stress, she says: “It’s all about getting children off the screen, it’s a mindfulness activity.

“I’m just there to guide them and they’re so excited when they come to the classes. Sometimes parents of children with SEN needs might be concerned that their child could be disruptive in the session but I find it’s the total opposite. They’re able to switch off and concentrate on the brick building which helps them relax.”

Initially the business was set up as an after-school club to provide young people with an after-school activity to reduce stress.

Key memories from AK’s childhood included building LEGO®, later in her adult life she feels it has become a bit like “therapy.”

A friend gifted 20 kilos of bricks to her business which has now expanded to birthday parties in the local community.

All the LEGO® blocks provided are from second hand sites like Vinted or Facebook Market Place – making it affordable for AK to provide the sessions and parties.

Brick Borrow is a popular service which promotes a sustainable way to borrow and build LEGO® – reducing waste and toys at a low cost for families and businesses.

The service provides LEGO® sets to be built and then be sent back – which allows LEGO® fans to enjoy the building process without the cost of buying sets .

“Re-using sets means bricks stay in circulation for years, not wasted. It cuts down on unnecessary buying and keeps LEGO® being enjoyed rather than sitting unused.

‘Some sets now cost hundreds of pounds, which isn’t realistic for lots of families or collectors. Brick Borrow lets people enjoy those bigger builds without the big upfront cost. You still get the full experience, just in a much more affordable way.”