Picture this: step out of the shopping centre into our sanctuary away from the strains of everyday life and cost-of-living crisis. Our beautiful space contains: musician; movement practitioner; curated safe places to move freely; beautiful and high quality instruments (no headaches here); projections; lycra; voiles; shadow play; hammocks; rest cocoons; playful encounters; deep connection; celebration of you and your child. Music and movement play will be at the heart of the experience. One family at a time will have a dedicated hour in our space, to be however they would like to be. No pressure or expectation to perform or be a certain way. No public parenting fears here. The youngest child will lead the experience, giving them unique autonomy within their family unit, in a facilitated safe space. Two attuned, creative practitioners will facilitate child-centred play and exploration which involves the other family members. We want to offer North Shields residents free access.

What we'll deliver:

• The creation of a brand new music and movement play space in the Beacon Centre, North Shields.
• Pilot the play space for up to 6 families a day over 6 weeks
• 2 x music/movement early years specialist facilitating the sessions.

Why it's a great idea:

This fills a gap in provision in North Shields. The Beacon Centre is full of empty shop units. There are limited affordable things to do in the area for families with young children. It will be enjoyable! The main aim of the space is to facilitate enjoyable experiences for families to enjoy together. A ‘break’ from day-to-day pressures/stress/cost-of-living crisis. Health benefits connected to mental well-being for parents. Provision of an additional accessible space. Benefits all areas of learning and development for children. Time and space without public parenting pressures. No mobile phone zone. Benefit of full attention of adults on the child. Gentle facilitated play modelling by experienced early years artists may lead to play being a bigger part of families’ lives together. Shared learning and cultural experience for child and wider family. Strengthening family bonds and getting oxytocin flowing. Increasing and deepening connection between carers/children.

Steps to get it done:

• Create a magical play space for families in a shop unit in the Beacon Centre
• Open play space to families
• Run a 6 week pilot of sessions for families facilitated by two experienced artists

Every £1 you donate could leverage up to £7 from our matched funder. We will be using this successful crowdfund to leverage Youth Music/ Arts Council England funding to continue this offer for a further 3 years and beyond. Your support has the potential to create a permanent play resource for families in North Shields. The experiences a child has in their first three years are crucial to their healthy development. Our play space facilitates experiences which promote healthy brain and body development. Arts and culture are being decimated in the cost-of-living crisis. Organisations are folding left, right and centre, as they lose funding and opportunities. Here is a unique feel-good opportunity to build something beautiful for North Shields. Let’s prioritise our youngest children and families, and offer a beacon of hope, light and love during these challenging times we are living through. Help to create something magical today.