I loved this opportunity to be nourished on so many levels! I felt like a child again - or remembering to be a child and play.
The Joy Project - Spring
Tiwu Kumangka (Blackwood Library and Community Centre)
Blackwood SA, Australia
Description
The Joy Project – Spring
Make space for yourself this spring
Join us for a full-day creative wellbeing experience for women at Tiwu Kumangka (Blackwood Community Centre) - 2/4 Young St, Blackwood South Australia.
The Joy Project brings together creativity, music, laughter, reflection and meaningful conversation in a welcoming space where you can slow down, reconnect and simply enjoy being present.
Whether you're looking to recharge, meet like-minded people, explore your creativity or take a break from the busyness of everyday life, this day is designed to leave you feeling refreshed, inspired and connected.
Your experience
Throughout the day you'll enjoy a thoughtfully curated program including:
Live healing harp music featuring two Celtic harps woven through the experience. The gentle resonance of the harp has long been associated with calm, relaxation and wellbeing, creating a beautiful soundscape to support creativity, mindfulness and deep rest.
“Harpa Nidra” - our signature meditation experience – a deeply restorative guided meditation inspired by Yoga Nidra, enhanced with the soothing sounds of two live harps inviting relaxation and inner stillness.
Mindfulness, movement and laughter through guided laughter yoga and playful activities that invite joy, presence and connection.
Practical mindfulness and resilience techniques you can continue using at home to help cultivate calm, manage stress and build lasting wellbeing in everyday life.
Guided watercolour mandala painting, offering a mindful and creative space for flow and self-expression.
Voice, harmony and connection through simple group vocal activities, discovering harmony together and using your voice to find a sense of calm, presence and your own still point. No singing experience is needed.
A sensory bliss ball experience and mindful chocolate tasting, inviting you to slow down and savour the present moment.
Light refreshments throughout the day. You're warmly invited to bring your own nourishing lunch (or something to share if you wish), with no pressure or expectation.
Time to pause, connect and simply be in a warm, welcoming and restorative space where you'll be supported to nurture your creativity, wellbeing and sense of connection.
Everything is thoughtfully designed to be accessible, restorative and enjoyable, leaving you feeling calmer, more connected and renewed - with practical tools and inspiration to continue nurturing your wellbeing long after the experience has ended.
If you choose to continue with the Joy Journey, each seasonal gathering will build on these foundations, creating a gentle rhythm of creativity, mindfulness and connection throughout the year.
Who is this for?
This experience is perfect for anyone who would like to:
Take time out for themselves and the busyness of everyday life
Reduce stress and recharge
Connect with like-minded people in a welcoming and supportive environment
Experience the calming benefits of live harp music, mindfulness and creativity
Explore creativity in a relaxed environment
Discover joy through laughter, movement, voice and shared harmony
Invest in their wellbeing
No previous experience with painting, meditation or music is required.
The Joy Project Journey
Invest in the Joy Journey: Fill your cup this Spring, then reset, refresh and reconnect through the seasons with three half-day retreats at the beautiful Sophia Centre.
The Spring Experience is the beginning of The Joy Project - a series of four seasonal wellbeing experiences designed to help you reconnect with yourself through creativity, music, reflection and meaningful connection.
🌸 Spring – Creativity, Connection & New Beginnings (This Event)
Sunday 20 September | Full Day - 10am - 4pm
Launch the Joy Project with a special full-day experience featuring three Joy Project facilitators. Together we'll guide you through a rich day of creativity, music, laughter, relaxation and connection.
☀️ Summer – Joy & Play
Sunday 6 December | Half Day (afternoon)
Hosted by Yvette Colton, featuring special guest Annie Harvey, exploring laughter, play and joyful connection.
🍂 Autumn – Creativity & Expression
Sunday 4 April | Half Day (afternoon)
Hosted by Yvette Colton with a focus on creativity, mindfulness and artistic expression.
❄️ Winter – Harmony & Stillness
Sunday 27 June | Half Day (afternoon)
Hosted by Yvette Colton, featuring special guest Emma Horwood, exploring music, voice, stillness and deep relaxation.
You're welcome to join us for the Spring Experience as a standalone event or continue through the seasons with the Joy Journey package, creating a gentle rhythm of creativity, connection and wellbeing across the year.
Please note: The Spring Experience will be held at Tiwu Kumangka (Blackwood Community Centre). The Summer, Autumn and Winter half-day experiences will be held at the beautiful Sophia Centre, 225 Cross Road, Cumberland Park.
Meet your hosts
Yvette Colton
Host • Founder • Creative Facilitator • Harpist • Artist
Yvette is the founder of The Joy Project, inspired by her belief that creativity, music and meaningful connection are essential to our wellbeing. As a consultant and business owner balancing family life, she understands the importance of making space to pause, reconnect and restore.
A Celtic harpist for more than 20 years, Yvette performs with the South Australian Celtic Harp Orchestra and is an exhibiting artist. Trained in creative facilitation, improvisation and therapeutic music, she will thoughtfully host the day, guide the creative experiences and share the calming sounds of the Celtic harp to create a warm and restorative space for connection.
Annie Harvey
Bestselling Author • Wellbeing Educator • Certified Laughter Yoga Leader
Annie Harvey is a TEDx speaker, bestselling author of The Little Book of STILL and creator of The F.U.N. Formula™. A certified laughter yoga leader and wellbeing educator, Annie combines mindfulness, positive psychology and laughter to create joyful, evidence-informed experiences. During The Joy Project, Annie will share practical evidence-based tools to help participants build resilience, cultivate calm and bring more joy and wellbeing into everyday life.
Emma Horwood
Award-Winning Harpist • Soprano • Music Educator
Emma is one of South Australia's leading harpists and sopranos, bringing more than two decades of professional performance and music education experience. Her captivating harp playing and beautiful voice create immersive musical experiences that inspire stillness, harmony and connection. During The Joy Project, Emma will guide participants through live harp and voice, shared harmony activities, and a mindful sensory chocolate tasting, inviting everyone to experience the joy of slowing down, engaging the senses and embracing the restorative power of music.
Want to know more
Visit the Joy Project website for further information.
FAQs
- What is The Joy Project?
The Joy Project is a series of seasonal wellbeing experiences designed to inspire greater creativity, connection, joy and self-discovery throughout the year.
Each thoughtfully curated experience brings together creativity, music, mindfulness, laughter and meaningful connection, with something different to discover each season.
- Who are The Joy Project experiences for?
Our experiences are for anyone who would like to step away from the busyness of everyday life, make time for themselves and explore new ways to support their wellbeing. You don't need to be creative, musical or experienced in mindfulness, just come with an open mind and a willingness to try something new.
- Can I come on my own?
Absolutely. Many people attend wellbeing experiences on their own, and we'll make sure you feel warmly welcomed from the moment you arrive. The day includes plenty of opportunities to connect naturally with others, without any pressure.
- Do I need any experience?
Not at all. Every activity is designed to be accessible and enjoyable, regardless of your previous experience. You don't need to know how to paint, sing, meditate or do laughter yoga, everything will be gently guided by our experienced facilitators.
- Can I come with a friend?
Of course. The Joy Project is a beautiful experience to share with a friend, partner or family member.
- Do I have to participate in every activity?
No. This is your experience. We encourage you to participate in whatever feels comfortable and enjoyable for you. You're always welcome to sit back, observe or take a quiet moment when you need it.
- What should I expect on the day?
Expect a relaxed and welcoming day filled with creativity, beautiful live music, mindfulness, laughter, reflection and connection. Each seasonal experience is different, so visit the relevant experience page to discover what's planned for your day.
- I have another question. How can I get in touch?
We'd love to hear from you. Simply email us at joyprojectcollective@gmail.com and we'll be happy to help.
- What should I wear?
Comfort is key. Wear relaxed clothing that allows you to move easily and feel at ease throughout the day. Any specific requirements for your chosen experience will be provided before the event.
- What should I bring?
Just yourself and your lunch. We'll provide the materials and resources you'll need throughout the experience, and light refreshments. Before the day, we'll send you all the practical information you need, including anything specific we recommend bringing.
- Is food included?
Light refreshments will be provided throughout the day. We ask that you bring your own lunch so you can choose something you know you'll enjoy and that suits your dietary needs. Tea, coffee and water will also be available to help keep you refreshed throughout the experience.
- How many people attend?
Our experiences are intentionally kept to a manageable size (usually below 25 people) to create a warm, relaxed and connected environment. Places are limited, so we recommend booking early if you'd like to join us.
- Are The Joy Project experiences therapeutic?
The Joy Project is designed to support general wellbeing, creativity and connection. Our experiences are not a substitute for medical, psychological or other professional therapeutic care.
- What happens if I need to cancel?
We understand that plans can change. We understand that plans can change.
Cancellations: A full refund is available for cancellations made at least 7 days before the event. Cancellations within 7 days are non-refundable, as event costs and facilitator commitments will already have been confirmed.
Transfers: If you can no longer attend, you're welcome to transfer your ticket to another person at no additional cost. Please contact us before the event with the new attendee's details.
For Joy Journey packages, if you are unable to attend one of the seasonal experiences, you may transfer your place for that event to someone else. Package purchases are otherwise non-refundable once the first experience has commenced.
If The Joy Project needs to cancel an event, participants will receive a full refund for the affected event.
Testimonials
This retreat day was exactly what I needed. It reminded me that I’m a creative person, and that there’s much more to life than just keeping on top of my daily demands and responsibilities.
Thank you for putting together such a beautiful and thoughtful time and space for us all to connect with ourselves and eachother in ways most of us never find the time to do.
It was such a fun, uplifting and nourishing day, and you provided a beautiful energy and safe space for us to feel welcome and to share and be our authentic selves!
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Tiwu Kumangka (Blackwood Library and Community Centre)
Blackwood SA, Australia
Hosted by The Joy Project
