Community Families
Announcements and Current Timetable
Community Families News
No booking required.
Please email us on hello@creativefuturesuk.com for queries/more info.
What is Community Families
Community Families is a free music drop-in programme for families with children under 5 in north Westminster. Some sessions are for mums and babies only, some are for parents/carers and children aged 0-4 years. See attached flyer for full details.
We also run ‘Nurture Groups’ on Thursdays, for mums and babies (under 24 months) who are struggling with mental wellbeing. Referral to the Nurture Groups is through Church Street or Queen’s Park Family Hubs, or by self-referral. Please contact us at hello@creativefuturesuk.com if you want to learn more about the Nurture Groups.
Directed by Harry Chapman
With thanks to John Lyon’s Charity for supporting the making of this film by The Media Trust.
Our warm and welcoming sessions are more popular than ever, with a record 600+ families attending in 2025. Families from different backgrounds meet and sing together, enabling new connections and friendships to form, reducing social isolation, strengthening mental wellbeing, and enabling children to interact with others thus building pro-social skills and confidence. Our creative, play-based approach supports multiple areas of early childhood development and strengthens mother-child attachment which is crucial to early childhood wellbeing and emotional development.
“This is an amazing initiative that I'm very thankful of having in our local community. Thank you for bringing such joy to our children” (parent)
Community Families has grown from a weekly resident-led project in Queen’s Park ward in 2013, and delivered in collaboration with many local partners including Maternity Champions from Paddington Development Trust who support some sessions, Westminster Family Hubs, Westbourne Park Family Centre, and others.
Impact for children
76% parents report improved self-confidence in their children
78% parents report increased Speech, Language and Communication skills
76% parents report improved social skills, turn-taking etc
81% parents report increased creativity and imagination
“Community Families has had a hugely positive impact for us. It’s a moment each week to bond” (Parent)
83% of respondents said the project has a positive impact on their bonding with their child.
Impact for parents, particularly mothers
At least 25% of families attending feel isolated or disconnected from their local community. This project helps build community connection, and for new parents to make friends and lasting connections.
“Community Families was one of the first classes I managed to get myself to after my baby was born. This really gave me a welcoming place to go back to week after week, giving me a reason to leave the house and enjoy the kindness and singing.” (Parent)
76% of respondents said that the sessions have had a positive impact on mental wellbeing
71% say they feel more confident.
78% feel less isolated.
“I feel we belong to a community”
Independent evaluation:
“This exceptional initiative addresses some of our society’s most fundamental challenges such as social isolation and equity. By consistently widening access to opportunities it has transformed the experience of parenting for hundreds of families improving well-being, helping parents to bond with their child, feel part of a wider community, and be empowered through information and support networks.” (Independent Evaluator, 2021)
Listen here:
Listen to our free albums on Soundcloud
These albums include some favourite songs that our families have enjoyed singing with Julie at the drop-ins together with some new songs to discover together at home.
Community Families Songbook
