Dan's Den at Christchurch in Ilkley has been nominated in a national campaign, The BIG Christmas Giveback, which aims to shine a light on the positive work happening in local communities.
The person or organisation who has the most nominations in the competition will win a £1,000 Town & City Gift Card, such as the Ilkley Gift Card, with one person who nominated the winner receiving a £500 gift card.
Dan's Den is a not for profit, community driven, indoor play centre based which offers a range of affordable sessions for families, including a free singing group, sessions for special educational needs children and craft sessions, plus baby natal sessions three times each year.
Becky Lawson, Centre Manager at Dan’s Den, said:
“We call Dan’s Den soft play with a warm heart, and strive to create a space where all are included and where there is no judgement. It’s a place where families can meet and socialise, and feel supported. It’s also a safe space, whether it’s for families with SEN children, new parents or grandparents attending with their grandchildren, all are welcome.
“With the cost of living, people are cutting back on treats like activities for the children and our Dan’s Deal low-cost two hour play sessions are really popular because it’s a warm space for families, where the children are fed and can have fun. We also have half price sessions in the afternoons, and have noticed a real uptake.
“As a non-profit, anything we receive goes back into the organisation. Alongside our staff team, we’re fortunate to have lots of volunteers ranging from 14 years of age through to 82 years of age. This gives us a great breadth of knowledge, skills and experience, so we can support our families to the best of our ability.
“The Ilkley Gift Card is a fabulous initiative and an easy way to support local businesses in Ilkley. Our trustees gave our team the card for Christmas and we were able to use it with local businesses. If we won The BIG Christmas Giveback, we’d use the card to buy new toys for the children, such as dressing up clothes.”
A person who nominated Dan’s Den said:
“They provide essential space for the community to come together and feel less alone. Dan's Den helped me out when I was struggling as a new mum, having a place to go with other mums to talk whilst the children played in a safe environment meant so much to me.”
Sarah Brookfield-Almond, Ilkley BID Manager, said:
“It’s wonderful to read this nomination for a non-profit Ilkley organisation in this national campaign. Dan’s Den is a shining light in the Ilkley community, providing a safe, inclusive and accessible space for children, parents and grandparents. Please take a moment to nominate Dan’s Den as we’d love to see them win the prize just in time for Christmas.”
Ilkley BID launched the Ilkley Gift Card in 2022 to provide tangible support for the business community and is part of the award winning Town & City Gift Card concept from Miconex.
Consumers can buy the Ilkley Gift Card pre-loaded with any value from £5 to £500 at the Visitor Information Centre and the Ilkley Shoe Company or they can pick up a card at selected retailers to load at home as well as buying online at www.ilkleygiftcard.co.uk. Digital cards are also available which can be added to digital wallets enabling ‘tap to pay’ technology. The Ilkley Gift Card can be spent with around 80 local businesses.
Colin Munro, CEO of Miconex, added:
“Since its launch, the Ilkley Gift Card has consistently given back to the Ilkley community, making support for local simple. The BIG Christmas Giveback is also about giving back, shining a light on the positive work happening in our local communities. Congratulations to Dan’s Den for their nomination.”
Nominate Dan’s Den or another organisation or person at: www.lovelocalwin.co.uk by the 28th November 2025.
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