Annie’s Stay and Play CIC was created from a simple place, a mum wanting connection.
Our Story
Annie’s Stay and Play CIC was created from a simple place — a mum wanting connection.
Cranbrook has one of the youngest demographics in the South West, with a high number of young families and very few local groups to attend. When my daughter was just six months old, I felt that need personally. I wanted somewhere local to go, somewhere welcoming, somewhere to build friendships and support networks not just for her, but for me too.
So, we launched our very first Stay and Play session on a Monday.
What started as a monthly session quickly grew to fortnightly, and it wasn’t long before we realised the demand meant it needed to run every single Monday. As more families joined us, it became clear the need was even greater and soon we added another weekly session to support our growing community.
At the heart of Annie’s Stay and Play is a mum of three who simply wanted connection , and that same heart still drives everything we do.
Over the past two years, Annie’s Stay and Play CIC has evolved and grown beyond what we ever imagined. A year ago, we launched our Sensory Sessions for babies, and they have been consistently fully booked ever since. Seeing so many local families attend week after week has been incredible.
The most special part? Watching the babies who first came along being carried in arms now walking through the door themselves talking, exploring, and of course, becoming wonderful little messy makers.
Alongside our regular sessions, we also run monthly Messy Play sessions, giving children the chance to explore, create, and learn through hands-on sensory experiences.
From paint and foam to themed tuff trays, water play and creative activities, our Messy Play sessions encourage imagination, confidence and development in a fun and welcoming environment. These sessions have quickly become a favourite for many families and are another wonderful way for parents and children to connect, play and make memories together.
We are proud to be a not-for-profit Community Interest Company, meaning everything we do is for the benefit of our local community. Any income made is reinvested directly back into improving sessions, resources, equipment and opportunities for families in Cranbrook.
Annie’s Stay and Play would not be what it is without our amazing team of volunteers. Their support, dedication and encouragement help our sessions run smoothly and create the warm, welcoming atmosphere families know and love.
We also run toddler music sessions, giving little ones the opportunity to sing, dance, explore instruments and enjoy music in a fun and interactive environment. These sessions help support confidence, communication, coordination and social development, while giving parents and carers a chance to join in, connect and make special memories together
Alongside our weekly sessions, we run a range of special events throughout the year to bring families together and create lasting memories. From Valentine’s celebrations and Mother’s Day daffodils for parents, to Easter visits from the Easter Bunny (complete with a chocolate egg), Halloween specials with a treat for every child, and Christmas events with Santa including a special present from Santa too, we love marking special moments as a community.
We are also proud to organise and support larger community events including the Cranbrook Colour Run and Summer Fete, as well as being involved in the Cranbrook Festival and other local community events, helping to bring families, local groups and residents together while strengthening connections across Cranbrook.
Our Mission
Our mission is to create a welcoming, inclusive and supportive space where babies, young children and their families can connect, grow and thrive together.
We aim to reduce isolation, strengthen community connections and provide accessible, high-quality play experiences for families in Cranbrook. Through play, sensory exploration and shared experiences, we support early development while building lasting friendships and support networks for parents and carers.
As a not-for-profit Community Interest Company, we are committed to reinvesting in our community and responding to the needs of local families as we continue to grow.
Our Vision
Our vision for Annie’s Stay and Play CIC is to continue growing and evolving to meet the needs of local families. As our community grows, we would love to expand our sessions further and develop opportunities for older children and young people too, including dedicated youth sessions.
Our aim is to create a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for children and young people of all ages whilst supporting families from early years right through to teenagers, reaching children from 0–17 years old.
We want every child to feel valued, supported and connected within their community, while continuing to build strong friendships, confidence and opportunities for local families in Cranbrook.
