Page 23 - Play Works Impact Report 2025

DEEP DIVE:

Monday Munch - Building Community

Through Shared Meals and Play

Play Works’ ‘Monday Munch’ is a pop-up event held in the
community hall in Bridgend, an isolated area with high

levels of deprivation, as identified by SIMD data. Timed to
coincide with Easter, Halloween, and Christmas
celebrations, these events invite the entire community to

share a meal and participate in themed play sessions.

Monday Munch stands out for its holistic approach to
community engagement. Families are welcomed into a
warm, inclusive space to enjoy a healthy meal together —

a challenge for many with multiple children both
practically and financially. Alongside the meal, children
and their parents or carers join themed play activities,

facilitated by Play Works staff who model positive play
and provide support as needed.

The event fosters community spirit, encourages
intergenerational interaction, and reduces social

isolation. It also provides a valuable opportunity for staff
to engage in meaningful conversations with families,
identify needs, and signpost to relevant services. This

informal setting helps build trust and deepens
understanding of local challenges and adversities,
including those linked to poverty and social isolation.

For Halloween 2025, Play Works is partnering with the

Bridgend Regeneration Team, promoting cross-sector
collaboration and amplifying the event’s impact. This
partnership aims to strengthen community ties and

ensure regeneration efforts are informed by real, lived
experiences.

“Leigh and Jeanie that are with us at zippers are
not only there to help with the kids they also
make such a difference to the families in general.
I don’t think I would feel as confident and

comfortable going outside now if it wasn’t for
them”

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