About The Launchpad
Building York’s Community Play Café
An environment where children can play, parents can connect, and families can thrive.
We’re creating a welcoming community play café in York, where families can enjoy playing, building meaningful connects and access support when its needed the most.
Why We’re Creating It
Parenting can be one of life’s most rewarding expereinces, but it can also be the most isolating.
Many parents struggle to find a place where then can meet others, feel a part of a community and want to simply enjoy time with their children.
The Launchpad exists to change that.
Every family deserves a place where they can feel welcomed, connected, valued and supported.
Our Vision
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A safe, engaging environment where babies, toddlers and young children can learn, explore and have fun.
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A place where parents, carers and families can build friendships and reduce the feeling of loneliness.
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Access to information, resources, events and opportunities that help your well-being.
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A welcoming community hub where everyone belongs and nobody is alone.
The idea for The Launchpad grew from our founder, Heidi’s years of working alongside children, young people and families.
Throughout her career she has witnessed first-hand the challenges many parents face, particularly loneliness with no opportunity to connect with others.
Time and time again, the same issues have occurred - families need a place where children can play and develop while parents can build supportive relationships and feel a part of something more.
The Launchpad is Heidi’s response to that need.
Meet Heidi!
“The Launchpad will be all about this. Giving people a space where they can both offer and receive vital support from others. To grow their 'village'. Looking after children is hard. Don't get me wrong- it's glorious, it's beautiful, it's magical. But it's also messy, monotonous, and at times downright lonely. I'm not sure I have ever known a parent who hasn't experienced isolation - extensive research can backs this up. I am 100% confident that the solution to avoiding isolation is already there, in our communities; it just needs a place to grow.” - Heidi
Meet the team!
Dani Wardman Director
Laura Wright Director
Nicola Harkess
Marketing
Contact us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!