Together We Play funding awarded to local community play projects

Eleven local community organisations have been selected to deliver new and inclusive play opportunities to residents across Waltham Forest who face barriers to play.

The grant fund, Together We Play, is our community-led initiative designed to bring joy, improve wellbeing, and strengthen connections across Waltham Forest. 

The £50,000 fund will be distributed between the following organisations to deliver inclusive, community-led play opportunities in Waltham Forest between May and October 2026: 

• Creative Engagement Services CIC
  • Weekly pop‑up street‑play sessions designed and delivered with young trainees. 
     
• The Leyton Midland Collective
  • Intergenerational art, play and sensory‑friendly sessions across Leyton.
     
• OrganicLea CIC
  • Forest School and ESOL‑through‑play for migrant families at Hawkwood Nursery. 
     
• Natural Gardeners Club
  • Allotment-based‑ sensory garden, mud kitchen and nature play for families in temporary accommodation and SEND families. 
     
• Daphne & Friends CIC
  • Fortnightly sensory and creative sessions for bereaved siblings, including SEND. 
     
• Kook Ensemble
  • Inclusive circus skills programme for SEND pupils at Buxton School.
     
• E4Under4 CIC
  • A week of free, inclusive early years play sessions at Pimp Hall for families under pressure. 
     
• The Castle Play Space CIC
  • Sensory SEND sessions, free-flow play and home play‑box support for families facing hardship. 
     
• Lymore Gardens FC CIC / LB Creative Group
  • Youth-led‑ creative play and inclusive sport with estate pop‑ups. 
     
• The Mill @ Coppermill
  • Sensory friendly baking and craft sessions for SEND children.
     
• The Engine Shed
  • Monthly interest led train club for autistic children, plus a supported summer trip. 

Cllr Kizzy Gardiner, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said:

 “I’m incredibly proud that this year’s Together We Play fund is supporting such a vibrant mix of local organisations. Each project puts children, families and young people at the heart of play whether that’s sensory sessions, nature‑based learning, creative arts or community‑led sport. These groups understand their neighbourhoods and know how to make play welcoming, inclusive and joyful for everyone. I’m excited to see the difference they’ll make across Waltham Forest this summer.

“I also want to say a huge thank to everyone that took the time to apply. We received 52 applications from brilliant organisations across the borough, showcasing the vital work being done in the community with our young residents.”