Small but Mighty!
Saturday 20 September, Feltham / Saturday 27 September, Belfast
Each year we bring together church toddler group leaders and volunteers to encourage, equip and resource them for the vital work they are doing in their communities.
At this year’s Playtime conference, we’ll explore how God can do mighty things through the ‘small’ that we offer – you’ll discover that your impact is bigger than you might think!
A flavour of the day …
- A fantastic choice of workshops packed with fresh and creative ideas for your toddler group
- A great line-up of guest speakers providing encouragement and insight
- Unique opportunities to network with other toddler group leaders from across the UK
- Time to worship, share and pray together
- Lunch and refreshments included
- An exhibition zone and shop filled with resources
- A chance to renew your vision and feel recharged to continue the incredible job you’re doing!
'I really had lost my motivation over the last month and wondered if I should continue. You've reignited my fire. Thank you.'
Main speaker – Mark Chester
Mark has been involved in running parent and toddler groups for over twenty years and is the founder of Who Let The Dads Out?, the largest network of groups specifically for dads and their children in the UK. He is the author of several books, a frequent media contributor and regularly speaks to audiences throughout the UK and beyond. He has previously worked in government, the church and Premier League Football. He is the Men’s Support Manager at Care for the Family.
Main speaker – Rachel Turner
Rachel Turner is the discipleship pastor at Hope Church, Harrogate, and the founder of Parenting for Faith. She is the author of ten books for families, parents and church leaders including Parenting Children for a Life of Faith, Comfort in Uncertain Times, and It Takes a Church to Raise a Parent. She lectures on leadership and intergenerational church at theological colleges and consults and speaks internationally.
The work that you do through your toddler group is vital. Though it might feel like your contribution is small, you not only provide a safe space for parents and their little ones to take time out and have fun, but also offer help, happiness and hope for all those who attend.
It might sometimes seem like your toddler group is undervalued, or that you put in a whole lot of effort but don’t have all that much to show for it. You might see just a few families a week, and feel it’s not enough, or perhaps you reach many but wonder if it has any spiritual significance.
The truth is that whatever the shape and size of your toddler group, when you sow into families you have a far-reaching impact on whole communities. God is doing so much beneath the surface that you might not see.
Join us at this year’s Playtime Conference as we explore how God can do mighty things through that ‘small’ that we offer.
It’s not just toddlers who are small but mighty – your group is too!
Whether you’re a passionate toddler group leader, dedicated volunteer, or are simply thinking about setting up a toddler group, we’d love to see you at our Playtime National Conference! Your group might be doing really well, or you might be feeling a bit dejected. Whatever the case, this is the perfect chance to be inspired, encouraged, and chat with other people in the same boat!
- Early bird tickets £25 each.
- Standard tickets £35, groups of 3 or more £25 each.
- Packed lunch included in fee.
- Bookings are all made through Eventbrite.
- Alternatively, feel free to call us on 029 2081 0800 and the team would be glad to help you with your booking.
- Please note we do not have facilities to accommodate babies and young children at this event.
‘Lots of practical ideas but also so much encouragement.’
‘I really had lost my motivation over the last month and wondered if I should continue. You’ve reignited my fire. Thank you.’
‘I love Playtime conference. It’s great to be entirely focused on under 5s rather than having to adapt things aimed at older children.’
‘So lovely to see so many people in the same boat.’
Feltham additional information
Andy Frost: Andy works for Share Jesus and Gather Movement and chairs the London Mission Collective. Based in the capital with his wife Jo and their two daughters, he loves working with Care for the Family helping families explore the Christian faith.
Small and Mighty: Rachel Turner
Sometimes the smallest things can have the greatest impact, and that is especially true when working with young children and their families. This season in a family’s life is a precious window where they are particularly open to God, faith, and the encouragement and support of a Christian community, and you are more significant than you may think.
It’s your moment in the sun: Mark Chester
The work of parent and toddler group teams is often overlooked and undervalued, so it’s about time you had your moment in the sun! In our closing talk, Mark will pay tribute to your tireless and selfless work supporting the families of your communities, and bring you practical encouragement that will motivate you to keep making small things mighty!
Motivating a team of volunteers – Mark Chester
Volunteers are our greatest asset – we couldn’t run our groups without them – but recruiting, managing and retaining them is rarely plain sailing. We’ll take an honest look at the pleasures and pitfalls of volunteer management and explore how we can get them, inspire them and keep them.
Different is not less – Nicola Watson-Bird
Parent and toddler groups can be scary places for parents of children with additional needs. They may be extremely uncomfortable for a parent whose child appears to be developing differently and a lonely place for a parent whose child is always at the centre of ‘trouble’. Come and ask questions and share experiences as we explore ways to welcome and build supportive relationships.
Puppet-filled adventures – Cameron Welsh
Can puppets really bring the gospel to life? Absolutely! Puppets are a great way to communicate with children and even adults. After this hands-on workshop you will be equipped with ideas, inspiration and practical skills to start your puppet fun-filled adventure! Come and discover the potential of using puppets in your ministry.
Helping parents and carers meet and know Jesus, and plug into church life – Rachel Turner
Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.” We are the ready workers, so how can we see that harvest? This seminar will unpack some of the simple ways we can help all those we encounter to explore faith and step into other areas of church community.
Supporting families through baby loss – Zoe Clark-Coates MBE & Any Clark-Coates
Over 258,000 babies are lost in the UK yearly, leaving parents feeling isolated, traumatised and grieving. As parents with lived experience of loss, global experts in loss and grief, and leading campaigners who have made the government bring in the new ‘certificates of loss’, Zoe and Andy will guide you in how to better support the bereaved by offering them compassionate care and practical support.
Networking zone
The Playtime Conference is a great time to meet others and share ideas. Whatever the size of your group and whatever your community looks like, we all have ideas, experience and stories to share. This space will be a chance to meet others and share ideas. Discussion starters will be provided, or you can use the time in your own way.
From the Care for the Family team.
Belfast additional information
Caroline Bradley: Caroline represents Care for the Family in Northern Ireland and is passionate about supporting parents in the early years to help them provide great foundations for their little ones to flourish into adulthood. She has been married to Paul for 44 years, is mum to three sons and grandma to eight delightful grandchildren.
Small and Mighty: Rachel Turner
Sometimes the smallest things can have the greatest impact, and that is especially true when working with young children and their families. This season in a family’s life is a precious window where they are particularly open to God, faith, and the encouragement and support of a Christian community, and you are more significant than you may think.
It’s your moment in the sun: Mark Chester
The work of parent and toddler group teams is often overlooked and undervalued, so it’s about time you had your moment in the sun! In our closing talk, Mark will pay tribute to your tireless and selfless work supporting the families of your communities, and bring you practical encouragement that will motivate you to keep making small things mighty!
Motivating a team of volunteers – Mark Chester
Volunteers are our greatest asset – we couldn’t run our groups without them – but recruiting, managing and retaining them is rarely plain sailing. We’ll take an honest look at the pleasures and pitfalls of volunteer management and explore how we can get them, inspire them and keep them.
Different is not less – Nicola Watson-Bird
Parent and toddler groups can be scary places for parents of children with additional needs. They may be extremely uncomfortable for a parent whose child appears to be developing differently and a lonely place for a parent whose child is always at the centre of ‘trouble’. Come and ask questions and share experiences as we explore ways to welcome and build supportive relationships.
Puppet-filled adventures – Cameron Welsh
Can puppets really bring the gospel to life? Absolutely! Puppets are a great way to communicate with children and even adults. After this hands-on workshop you will be equipped with ideas, inspiration and practical skills to start your puppet fun-filled adventure! Come and discover the potential of using puppets in your ministry.
Helping parents and carers meet and know Jesus, and plug into church life – Rachel Turner
Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.” We are the ready workers, so how can we see that harvest? This seminar will unpack some of the simple ways we can help all those we encounter to explore faith and step into other areas of church community.
Bumps, Babble and Beyond: The first 1,000 days of a child’s life – Millie Bellew
The first 1,000 days of a child’s life, from conception to age two, lay the foundation for emotional and cognitive growth. Learn about the incredible role toddler groups can play in nurturing secure relationships during this vital stage, and how you can create a safe, loving environment where toddlers thrive, grow, and form lasting connections. Whether you’re the leader of an established and flourishing toddler group or you’re just getting started on your toddler group journey, you’ll leave this seminar with practical tips, fresh insights, and a renewed sense of purpose in shaping the future of our little ones. Let’s make those first steps in faith and development count!
Networking zone
The Playtime Conference is a great time to meet others and share ideas. Whatever the size of your group and whatever your community looks like, we all have ideas, experience and stories to share. This space will be a chance to meet others and share ideas. Discussion starters will be provided, or you can use the time in your own way.
Laurence Bellew: Laurence is a Church Army Evangelist, with over 20 years of ministry experience. He is employed as a Youth and Community Pastor for Hope Church in Craigavon. As a singer-songwriter (under the pen name “A Jesus Thing”), he uses his music to connect people with Jesus, sharing the gospel through his songs. He is married to Millie, and they have a one-year-old son together.
