News

It’s official! We have completed the @playincluded Brick-by-Brick® programme Certified Facilitator training! We can’t wait to put our playful facilitation skills into practice and run our first Brick Club for the children and young people we help. Play is fundamental to children’s positive development and @play included’s Brick-by-Brick® programme uses collaborative LEGO® play to help children have fun, develop their social skills and feel more confident. The Brick-by-Brick® programme is evidence-based and the only LEGO brick based therapy programme supported by the LEGO Foundation. So, if you've got a child or young person who could benefit from some support with social skills, problem solving, emotional regulation or anxiety, come along and see what LEGO can do!

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Learn more:www.youtube.com/watch?v=jW7u_hChQ_A&t=197s

Arts Award is expanding!

So that we can properly help everyone who wants to achieve their Arts Awards, we're now opening up more spaces for more arts fun!

From 6th January, there will now be two sessions every other Tuesday instead of just the one. Our usual session will now be held from 1-2:30pm and we'll have a later session for the teens who are working towards their Bronze, Silver or Gold Awards from 2:30-4pm. Prices are staying the same at £4 per session. Both slots are available for booking on our website, so please make sure you're booking the correct one.

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of Pathways Through Pixels, a brand-new 15-week creative digital storytelling project for young people aged 11–18, and thanks to support from the Amazon Regional Creatives Fund, there's only as nominal fee to take part!

This project is perfect for teens who love gaming, drawing, writing, voice acting, or just imagining new worlds. It’s designed to be inclusive, supportive, and full of hands-on creative fun with all equipment and materials provided.

What’s it all about?

Participants will explore:

• Digital art, character design, and world-building

•  Dungeons & Dragons storytelling sessions

•  Game development tools like Twine and Scratch

• Voice acting, sound design, and music creation

• Creative writing, storyboarding, and interactive fiction

• Trailer creation, editing, and presentation skills

• An introduction to Unreal Engine for stretch participants

• Final portfolio and showcase of their work

• AQA Unit Awards releated to the project

They’ll also meet guest creatives. The programme ends with a celebration showcase for family, friends, and local supporters to see what the young people have created.

 When and where?

Sessions will run weekly in Skewen, starting  early 2026 and running until May. Each session lasts around 1.5 -2 hours, and we’ll provide a welcoming, relaxed space to work in with all materials, tech, and support in place.

We’re expecting this to fill up quickly, so don’t delay!

Fill out our short application form here.

Our Anxious Teens Social Group meets every Sunday from 4–6pm at The Gathering Place, Neath. This welcoming, low-pressure space is designed especially for young people aged 13–17 who find larger or busier environments overwhelming. Sessions focus on gentle socialising, games, crafts, and shared activities, with supportive adults on hand to encourage confidence and connection. To apply for a space, please complete our short form.

Our latest Young Enterprise Team will start up in September, building on the success of this spring's group. Come along and learn some entrepreneurial skills, take part in building a new business and join in the showcase event later in the year where you get to present what you've achieved to others like you. All while making new friends along the way!

If you are 13+ (Year 9) can now sign up to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award with us! You'll work on four sections: Skill, Volunteering, Physical and of course, the Expedition. Come along and join the fun, learning new skills and  building great friendships!