Outreach sessions and volunteering

Outreach play sessions

We offer an outreach service where we can visit community and voluntary playgroups. This provides an opportunity to support play projects in local communities through training, resources and practical support.

A wide range of activities can be offered including:

• messy play
• sensory play
• physical play
• creative arts

The emphasis of this programme is that we bring the ‘props’ each week and the children choose how they will play with them. We will provide ideas for the group to carry on doing after we leave, and also ideas that parents can easily and cheaply do at home.

The aim of the programme is to provide play opportunities in a range of environments by:

• Encouraging and supporting child-led play to enable children to have ownership of their play environment.
• Providing a safe environment for children to play and interact with other children.
• Providing children with opportunities to explore their environment and empowering them to decide their own learning outcomes.

To book your Outreach Play Session, email our play@belfastcity.gov.uk to contact our Play Development Officer.

Botanic Bowling Pavilion play sessions

Parent and child playgroup

• Date: Every Thursday
• Times: 2.30pm to 4.10pm
• Venue: Belfast Botanic Garden Bowling Pavilion

We’re providing free playgroup sessions for parents and children up to 5 years old every Thursday at Botanic Gardens Bowling Pavilion. Activities will include arts and crafts, physical play, messy play, games, sensory play and much more.

Fun outdoors

• Dates: Every Wednesday
• Times: 2pm to 4pm
• Venue: Belfast Botanic Garden Bowling Pavilion

We’re providing free play sessions every Wednesday at Botanic Gardens. Activities will include arts and crafts, physical play, messy play, games, sensory play, scavenger hunt and much more.

Summer support sessions

During the summer, our Play Service provides support primarily for the voluntary community sector with play sessions comprised of junk art, games, process art and messy play.

For more information, email play@belfastcity.gov.uk.

Volunteering with us

If you would like to work with children and young people in the future, volunteering with us could be an option for you. We will offer you regular management support, training opportunities and a range of experiences that will help your personal and professional development. You will become part of a vibrant and enthusiastic team. 

Who can volunteer?

To become a volunteer, you don’t need to have any experience or skills but you do need to be over 18, friendly, trustworthy and understand the issues faced by children and young people these days.

How you can get involved in volunteering

If you're interested in volunteering with Community Services and children specifically, email play@belfastcity.gov.uk.