CREATIVE ADULT PLAY TIME

Integrated restorative care that serves as an extension of the family, bridging the gap so no one ever stands alone.

What a beautiful Summer Social to bring more joy to June. It takes a village to raise a child but it takes a full organized community to support seniors. #summerSocial #summerstyle #summer

Celebrating our beautiful seniors at Dulwich Village summer Social

These highlights from one of our seniors shine a light on the many benefits of dementia prevention programmes like ours. She shares how the value of these sessions goes beyond the activities themselves, emphasising the meaningful conversations, friendships, and moments of connection that take place during and after each session with her peers.

We also hear from a community VCS leader who provided nutritious and delicious food as part of the VCS training workshops, delivered in partnership with Creative Adult Play Time, Spring Community, LOVO, and ADT Fourth World.

The workshops are designed to strengthen collaboration across the voluntary, community, and public health sectors, equipping participants with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to address socio-economic inequalities within Southwark communities. Through shared learning, practical activities, and cross-sector networking, the programme supports community-led approaches to improving health, wellbeing, inclusion, and social outcomes for local residents.

Short footage from one of our corporate training workshops, where we explored Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) approach.

ACT is structured around six interconnected processes, known as the "Hexaflex," which help individuals develop psychological flexibility and respond more effectively to challenges in both personal and professional settings

All smiles from our Flourish Circuit and Literacy Group as we celebrated a wonderful victory in mindfulness wisdom! Together, we explored how to choose positive and productive responses to life's challenging situations.

It was inspiring to see how group sharing, reflection, and meaningful conversations brought our seniors closer together, fostering emotional support, connection, and a genuine sense of joy. Moments like these remind us of the power of mindfulness, learning, and community.

What a delightful moment from our Mindfulness Literacy Group.

One of the highlights of our session was when each participant chose an encouragement card from their monthly mindfulness bag and shared its message with the group. Each card offered words of hope, reassurance, and encouragement, small reminders to support wellbeing and bring a sense of calm throughout the month.

Our monthly mindfulness bags are thoughtfully filled with treats and client-centred tools designed to promote self-care, reflection, and emotional wellbeing. It was wonderful to see how these simple messages sparked smiles, meaningful conversations, and moments of connection.

May the encouragement they received continue to inspire confidence, peace, and positivity in the weeks ahead.

Sometimes the best way to understand what community really means is to hear it straight from the people living it.
Listen to some of our amazing participants share her review.

What a day! Big smiles all round at our Seniors Flower Power & Mental Health Workshop, hosted by Creative Adult Play Time in partnership with 12 Support House. The turnout was absolutely brilliant hearts full, hands busy, and flowers everywhere!
A huge thank you to our wonderful local partners for spreading the word and bringing their members along your support made all the difference.

And a special shoutout to Caribbean Catering for the most delicious Jamaican and Trinidadian food that kept everyone going.

Flowers have a quiet but powerful way of lifting our spirits and today reminded us why. Coming together, talking, creating, and simply being in community with one another is one of the most natural and effective ways to support our mental health. When we stop to engage with something beautiful, we slow down, we breathe, and we connect, with ourselves and with each other.
To every single person who came, thank you for showing up. You made today what it was.

Listen to Betty, Community Southwark VCS Support Officer, share her honest review and reflections on the VCS training delivered for Southwark Council professionals. Her insights highlight the value of collaboration, learning, and strengthening connections between the voluntary and community sector and local services.

As our Integrated Befriend Performance Arts Programme comes to an end, we are excited to share highlights that reflect the true power of intergenerational connection. Programmes like these help bridge the gap between generations, creating meaningful relationships where both young people and older adults can learn from, support, and pour into one another.

A huge thank you to all the students that took part in this amazing journey. Your enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment helped make this programme truly special. We look forward to welcoming a new cohort in the fall!

Benefits of the programme included:
• Reducing loneliness and social isolation
• Building confidence and communication skills
• Encouraging creativity and self-expression
• Promoting emotional wellbeing and mindfulness
• Strengthening community connections
• Supporting mutual learning across generations
• Increasing self-esteem and sense of purpose
• Creating joyful and meaningful shared experiences

Together, we created memories, friendships, and moments that will last far beyond the programme itself.

Some wonderful moments captured from the mindfulness segment of our Literacy Wellness Programme. It was lovely to witness the level of focus, presence, and engagement our seniors brought to the session. The mindfulness activities helped set the stage for the alertness, confidence, and proactiveness they showed throughout, especially while exploring the literacy content and openly sharing their thoughtful reflections.

Sessions like these remind us just how important reading and mindfulness are in supporting mental growth, emotional regulation, self-esteem, and self-awareness.

Highlights from one of the participants in our recent corporate training with Southwark Council.

It’s always inspiring to hear firsthand about the values, mindset shifts, and new perspectives our partners take away from these sessions, and how they plan to move forward with greater purpose and impact.

Some wonderful moments from our Literacy & Wellness Clubs at Creative Adult Play Time. Using drama techniques inspired by Theatre of the Oppressed methods, we helped bring this month’s reading to life. Our seniors created a safe space for reflection as they shared their opinions, insights, and personal connections to the book.

Together, we explored how the characters navigated jealousy, rage, and the consequences of their actions. Our seniors thoughtfully discussed what could have been done differently to prevent the unfortunate outcome, while connecting those lessons to their own everyday experiences. Through meaningful conversation, we encouraged deeper self-awareness, forgiveness, personal growth, and more conscious choices so we can learn from past mistakes and move forward with wisdom. Then they shared a lovely lunch and received, encouragement gifts.

Some of the many faces from the final chapter of the VCS-led Training Day: Socio-economic Factors for #SouthwarkCouncil staff.

Creative Adult Play Time, Spring Community Hub, ATD Fourth World, and Ladies of Virtue Outreach (LOVO) came together as a powerful force to help deepen understanding of the needs and challenges faced by Southwark residents. Together, we explored how VCS and statutory partners can work collaboratively to address these issues, while equipping community researchers and council staff with practical tools to build stronger, community-focused connections.

Well done to all the amazing VCS organisations involved, your passion, insight, and commitment continue to make a real difference in our communities.

Creative Adult Play Time is rooted in intentionality, especially when it comes to the quality of care and commitment we bring to our seniors. We strive to design experiences that are not only meaningful and engaging, but also impactful, created with them and for them.

Rather than waiting until the end to celebrate their journey, we’ve chosen to honour them along the way. Through small, thoughtful incentives, we aim to reinforce the practical mindfulness tools and life applications they gain through our programs.

We understand how easy it is to forget the gems of wisdom we encounter. That’s why we are trialling a new approach: providing fun, practical, and useful handouts in the form of personalised goodie bags for each senior. These tokens are a simple yet heartfelt reminder that they are loved and cherished.

This is just one more way we bring our mission to life, reaching the unreachable, and nurturing a space where Creative Adult Play Time becomes more than a program, but a loving extended family.

Our seniors are up and away after another delightful session! One of the most beautiful things about these gatherings is how they bring everyone out of their flats, creating opportunities to connect, share laughter, and feel a true sense of community.

Moments like these help reduce isolation while adding fun, learning, and meaning to life, and hearing one of our seniors say how much he enjoyed the event made it even more special.

A meaningful highlight from our Christmas celebration, shared in honour of World Health Day on April 7th.

Aligned with the mission of the World Health Organization (WHO) to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable, our work supports adults needing extra care and seniors, with and without disabilities, to age gracefully through mindfulness, creativity, and connection.

Even though the festive season has passed, the beauty of celebration continues, reminding us that joy, purpose, and self-expression matter at every stage of life, especially in later years.

Our participants embraced their gifts, building confidence, dignity, and self-worth in a space that nurtures physical, mental, and social wellbeing.

In 2026, we have continued to grow, reaching and supporting more seniors and vulnerable adults in an inclusive, person-centred, and holistic way, in alignment with WHO’s vision of health for all.

This World Health Day, we celebrate health in action, empowering, inclusive, and truly for all. 💛

From one voice in the room to a message that stayed with us all.

During our Southwark Council training, one reflection really landed:
“Big groups are made up of individuals.”

Such a simple truth, but a powerful reminder. It speaks to the importance of approaching every situation with openness, taking the time to understand people as individuals, without assumptions.

This is where real impact begins: listening deeper, thinking wider, and leading with intention.

Grateful for a powerful workshop with our council.

It’s inspiring to work alongside leaders who are committed to continuous self-development, while staying deeply aware of the needs of others. This training created space to reflect, relearn, and realign, prioritising personal wellbeing and accountability so we can show up with clarity and purpose.

Together, we explored the real impact of social and economic disparities on our communities, and how intentional, informed action allows us to respond more effectively, without burnout, and with sustainable impact.

This is how we build stronger, more conscious leadership for the communities we serve.

Happy Easter.

In this sacred season of renewal, may you find moments to be still, restoring your energy, strengthening your spirit, and embracing inner peace.

As you sow seeds of love, kindness, and hope, may you receive in abundance grace, peace, and deep joy.

Wishing you a blessed and renewing Easter.

What a lovely review from one of our own Southwark Council professionals at Community Southwark, a brilliant organisation whose staff are highly regarded for their outstanding service to the community and their continued support of the VCS.

The aim of our workshops was to shed light on the economic challenges faced by some residents within Southwark. While Southwark was recently recognised as one of the best places to live in London (as highlighted in a March 2026 Times article), it is equally important to acknowledge that many individuals in the borough still require additional support.

These communities often benefit from greater empathy, awareness, and compassion due to the economic pressures they face. With this in mind, our Creative Adult Play Time sessions were designed to help council professionals and volunteers reconnect with themselves. This is especially vital for those working on the front line, who are at risk of compassion fatigue.

The workshops incorporated elements of somatic therapy as a tool to help release emotional blockages, support trauma awareness, and encourage deeper mindfulness and connection. By creating a safe and engaging space, participants were able to check in with themselves and reflect on their emotional wellbeing.

Importantly, the sessions also gave us the opportunity to demonstrate our approach in practice. Council staff experienced firsthand the methods we use with our service users, allowing them to feel the benefits directly and better understand the impact of this work.

Great to hear such positive feedback from staff following our recent corporate training presentation for Southwark Council.

It’s always valuable to hear directly from managers and partners, as their firsthand perspectives help us track the impact and progress of our services, enabling us to refine and improve them as needed.

Powerful reflections from today’s session

We explored the real impact of poverty on our most disadvantaged communities, starting with a deeper conversation on what poverty truly means and how it shows up in people’s everyday lives. At the heart of it all was a shared commitment to sustaining dignity in the way we serve our customers and communities—ensuring every interaction is rooted in empathy, respect, and high-quality care.

The discussion also focused on breaking down systemic barriers, improving access, and removing blocks within our systems so services work better for those who need them most.

What stood out was the passion and dedication in the room, community leaders and council staff choosing to grow, challenge their thinking, and expand their approaches to better respond to the challenges our communities face. It’s inspiring to see such conscious, skilled individuals committed to making a difference.

Each training session continues to build on the last, and the growth is clear. The outcomes are not only meaningful, they’re powerful.

A special thank you to the Community Southwark Manager for their lovely review and for supporting the early advice and skills workshops, ensuring all VCS organisations are fully equipped and empowered to deliver for their communities.

Our seniors experimented with creating digital content based on their hobbies, from storytelling and crafts to sharing life skills. The footage captures curiosity, laughter, and creativity as they explored new ways to express themselves.

This playful approach supports dementia intervention through play therapy, encouraging memory, communication, and emotional expression, while also reflecting occupational therapy principles—engaging people in meaningful activities that support cognitive, social, and motor skills.

Proof that creativity, play, and learning never retire.

#CreativeAging #PlayTherapy #OccupationalTherapy

Another reflection from our Creative Adult Play Timeprogram.

During this session, seniors explored using simple props as visual hooks for their videos, learning how storytelling and creativity can strengthen confidence and communication.

Before breaking into groups, we gathered in a circle off camera for a deeper conversation about the role of watching, creating, and editing content as tools that can support mental wellbeing and cognitive engagement.

Participants also discussed the pros and cons of everyday media and shared the topics they regularly follow, politics, sports, soaps, world affairs, faith, and fashion. These conversations highlighted how staying curious, informed, and socially engaged can help keep the mind active.

At Creative Adult Play Time, we use digital creativity and conversation as a gentle form of, early intervention, supporting mental health, social connection, and cognitive stimulation for older adults.

Programs like this are a reminder that equitable access to creative learning spaces can play an important role in healthy ageing and dementia prevention.

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SERVICES

We deliver engaging, community-based prevention social care programmes that create real, measurable impact across communities. From workforce support to creative wellness, tailored interventions, and post-operative recovery companionship, our services are designed to meet people where they are.

Get in touch today to learn more about our programmes or to make a booking.

Seniors Dementia Café Early Intervention

5-17 Early Intervention Butterfly Program

18+ Employment and Skills Training Wellness Programmes

Spoke Community Engagement Strategies

Befriending and Volunteering

Parenting and Child Wellbeing Programme

Our Integrated Program Model

The Foundation

Our structured programs target physical, emotional, social, and mental

well-being, utilising our evidence-based Four Focus Formulas as a core framework.

The Adaptability

We build bespoke, innovative programs tailored to the exact requirements of funding bodies, local councils, and researchers.

Our Capabilities

Whether your focus is employment and guidance, health and social care, or strategic information dissemination, we adapt our proven model to deliver your specific project objectives.

Four Focus Formulas

METHOD

Evidence-Based Therapeutic Techniques

MIND

Creative & Cognitive Stimulation

Community spirit in Southwark centre (1)_edited.jpg

MOOD

Activities that engage the mood, foster social connection and increase dopamine and serotonin naturally

MOBILITY

Gentle, tailored exercises to enhance mobility, balance, and physical function.

Protecting Professionals
Corporate Wellness Packages