The Wellbeing Ceilidh™ *see below for next real-time events!
Community Toolkit
An introductory participation framework for creating more accessible, welcoming and wellbeing-focused ceilidh experiences.
Because health happens socially, not just clinically.
Loneliness, social isolation and disconnection are among the biggest challenges facing our communities. Many people want opportunities to connect, move, contribute and belong, but struggle to find welcoming spaces where they feel able to participate.
The Wellbeing Ceilidh™ is an emerging community wellbeing model that explores how music, movement and shared experience can be intentionally used to strengthen connection, confidence, participation and community belonging.
Drawing on experience in medicine, occupational therapy, public health, accessibility, community wellbeing and outdoor participation, the approach brings together practical ideas for creating more welcoming, inclusive and participation-focused community experiences.
Wellbeing Ceilidh™
Starter Pack
£25 | Founding Edition (Version 1.1)
Early supporters will help shape the future development of the Wellbeing Ceilidh™ model through shared learning, feedback and community practice.
What's included?
The Wellbeing Ceilidh™ Starter Pack introduces the principles, thinking and practical approach that underpin the Wellbeing Ceilidh™. It provides a foundation for anyone who wants to create more welcoming, accessible and participation-focused community ceilidhs.
Inside you'll discover:
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The Wellbeing Ceilidh Framework™ and its six guiding principles.
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The Wellbeing Ceilidh Method™ – a practical, five-step approach to creating welcoming and inclusive community experiences.
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An introduction to Accessibility by Design, exploring physical, sensory, cognitive, emotional, social and cultural accessibility.
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Practical ideas for reducing barriers and supporting meaningful participation.
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Reflection tools, including the Participation Review™, to support continuous learning and community development.
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Guidance to help organisers create environments where participation, connection, belonging and wellbeing can flourish.
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Information about the growing Wellbeing Ceilidh™ community, with opportunities to access future resources, training and shared learning.
Who is it for?
The Starter Pack is designed for anyone interested in using music and movement to strengthen participation, inclusion and community wellbeing, including:
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Community groups and voluntary organisations
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Ceilidh callers and musicians
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Occupational therapists and other health and social care professionals
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Social prescribing teams and link workers
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Arts, cultural and community organisations
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Activity providers and event organisers
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Care homes and supported living services
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Wellbeing and community development projects
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Anyone passionate about creating welcoming communities where more people feel able to participate and belong
What is a Wellbeing Ceilidh™?
(traditionally pronounced "KAY-lee")
The word ceilidh comes from the Scottish Gaelic language. For generations, ceilidhs have brought people together through music, dancing and community.
A Wellbeing Ceilidh™ builds on that tradition by using the Wellbeing Ceilidh Framework™ to create opportunities for more people to participate, connect, belong and experience wellbeing through music and movement.
Rather than assuming everyone will participate in the same way, the framework encourages organisers to think about what helps different people feel welcomed, included and able to take part.
A Wellbeing Ceilidh™ is not defined by a particular venue, programme of dances or style of music. It can take place in village halls, schools, community centres, care settings, outdoor spaces, festivals and many other settings. Some events may involve energetic dancing throughout the evening, while others may include opportunities to sit, observe, sing, clap, move gently, chat with others or simply enjoy being part of the atmosphere.
Participation is not measured by how much someone dances.
It is about creating meaningful opportunities for people to participate in ways that work for them.
Every community is different, and every Wellbeing Ceilidh™ will be different too. The Framework is not intended to prescribe identical events. Instead, it provides a shared way of thinking about participation while allowing each community to respond to its own people, traditions and local context.
At its heart, the Wellbeing Ceilidh™ is about bringing people together through music and movement, creating welcoming community experiences where as many people as possible feel able to participate, connect and belong.
Discover the Framework
Learn more about the Wellbeing Ceilidh Framework™, the Wellbeing Ceilidh Method™ and Accessibility by Design in the Wellbeing Ceilidh™ Starter Pack.
[Explore the Starter Pack →]
Why It Matters
The Wellbeing Ceilidh™ is an emerging community wellbeing approach that brings people together through music, movement, accessibility, and shared experience.
In a world where many people feel isolated, disconnected or excluded, opportunities to come together matter more than ever.
The Wellbeing Ceilidh™ combines music, movement, accessibility and community connection to create welcoming experiences where everyone can participate, belong and thrive.
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Reduces loneliness and isolation
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Encourages connection and belonging
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Uses music and movement as a route to participation
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Designed with accessibility in mind
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Supports confidence, wellbeing and community resilience
Comments from previous attendees:
“I brought my 88-year-old dad who has mild dementia. He was so pleased to have come and feel welcome. It has built his confidence”.
“We had a fabulous time, we thought it was extremely well organised and a very kind wholesome atmosphere which we loved”.
Wellbeing Ceilidh™
Starter Pack £25
£25 • One-off purchase • Instant digital download
What's Included
Your purchase includes:
✅ The Wellbeing Ceilidh Framework™ – the principles that underpin every Wellbeing Ceilidh™
✅ The Wellbeing Ceilidh Method™ – a practical five-step approach to creating welcoming and inclusive community experiences
✅ Accessibility by Design – an introduction to participation-focused accessibility across physical, sensory, cognitive, emotional, social and cultural dimensions
✅ The Participation Review™ – a reflective tool to support learning and continuous improvement
✅ Getting Started guidance – practical prompts to help you plan your first Wellbeing Ceilidh™
✅ An invitation to join the Wellbeing Ceilidh™ Community and contribute to the ongoing development of the framework
Founding Community Member
As an early supporter, you'll receive complimentary Founding Community Member status, including access to the private Wellbeing Ceilidh™ Community Facebook Group, where you'll be able to:
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connect with other organisers and community leaders
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share ideas, experiences and practical adaptations
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hear about new resources and developments
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help shape the future of the Wellbeing Ceilidh™
Is this for you?
If you're passionate about participation, accessibility, belonging and community wellbeing through music and movement, the Wellbeing Ceilidh™ Starter Pack provides a practical and evidence-informed foundation to help you get started.
