Play Grow Do was established in 2024 with the aim of supporting the delivery of the grassroots project Communi-tea, focusing on creative health, wellbeing, and social connection for those most vulnerable to isolation. Our core mission is to provide inclusive activities that support physical, mental, and social wellbeing, especially for at-risk, isolated, socially excluded, and older community members.

Our values are built around three pillars:

• Play: Encouraging playful enjoyment for all stages of life by offering activities that promote wellbeing.
  

• Grow: Promoting environmental awareness and supporting biodiversity through initiatives like restorative horticulture, food supply programs, and creating ornamental and edible gardens.
  

• Do: Supporting positive change and learning through in-person and online sessions that combine exercise, socialising, and creative activities.

We have successfully run several pilot projects embraced by the local community, including Communi-tea. This delivery model has proven to be both unique and effective, with strong engagement and positive feedback from participants. Through these activities, we’ve cultivated a sense of community, reduced isolation, and supported the personal growth of all those involved.

We are very excited to have partnered with our friends at Soho Theatre Walthamstow to help them launch the new venue and special workshop space. If you would like to attend this TUESDAY session you need to book with them.

A creative, social and physical well being meet-up for Waltham Forest residents over 50

Each session includes a satisfying combination of chair-based Yoga-inspired exercise plus an introduction workshop to theatre and comedy.

All abilities are welcome. The session is unpressurised and you can participate in as much as you want.

The intro to theatre will be led by me Jessica Green, the Communi-tea workshop leader.

The comedy workshop will help you find your comedic voice and hone your writing and performing skills. Led by theatre-maker and performer Ben Salmon you’ll be able to do as little or as much as you’re able.

BOOKING A PLACE

You need to have a  qualifying Waltham Forest postcode in your Soho Theatre account to book this event.

Sessions take place on Tuesdays 13 May, 10 June, 8 July and 12 August at 2pm -4.30pm

2pm Chair Yoga

3pm Refreshments

3:30pm Comedy Workshop with Ben Salmon

Communi-tea 2025!

Weekly sessions continue every Thursday

2pm Yoga inspired seated exercise

3pm refreshments

3.30pm creative/cultural/informative session dates listed below

JUNE

5th Short Film Screening with the Women Over 50 Film Festival

10th - TUESDAY Communi-tea goes to Soho Theatre Walthamstow

12th - Singing for Joy

19th - table top games

26th - Age UK Digital Devices De-mystified

MAY

1st - Short Film Screening with the Women Over 50 Film Festival

8th - Singing for Joy

13th - TUESDAY Communi-tea goes to Soho Theatre Walthamstow

15th - Games and Brain training with East London Parkinson's Disease Project

22th - tbc

29th - Age UK Digital Devices De-mystified

APRIL

3rd - Short Film Screening with the Women Over 50 Film Festival

10th - Singing for Joy

17th - BSL signing language talk.

24th - Digital know how, information and guidence

MARCH

6th - Short Film Screening with the Women Over 50 Film Festival

13th - Singing for Joy

20th - Introduction to Performing Arts Soho Theatre Walthamstow

27th - Games

FEBRUARY

9th - Short Film Screening with the Women Over 50 Film Festival

16th - Singing for Joy

23th - Introduction to Performing Arts Soho Theatre Walthamstow

30th - GAMES

JANUARY

9th - Short Film Screening with the Women Over 50 Film Festival

16th - Singing fo Joy

23th - Introduction to Performing Arts Soho Theatre Walthamstow

30th - Bertie Bowen : Vintage Bead Jewellery Making with Studio Bowe

Join us at Good Shepherd Studios for some Communi-Tea!

FREE Chair based exercise, refreshments and entertainment.

Aimed at but not limited to people aged 50 and over.

Thursdays 2pm - 4.30pm in the Annex at Good Shepherd Studios.

Each week there will be chair based exercise, tea (of course) or a hot drink of your choice and snacks. Followed by a carrosel of cinema, song, smart phone photography and special guests.

Once a month there will be special entertainment, think music, talks, or something more unusual. 

This event is FREE and aimed at the over 50’s residents of South Leytonstone.