The Joy Project - Summer
Description
Find calm, connection and joy in the silly season
Sunday 6 December 2026
1.00–4.30 pm
The Sophia Centre, 225 Cross Road, Cumberland Park
December can be joyful, but it can also be a lot.
As celebrations, expectations and end-of-year responsibilities build, it is easy to put your own wellbeing at the bottom of the list. Yet taking time for yourself is not selfish. It can help you return to the people and things you care about with more energy, patience and presence.
The Joy Project – Summer is a playful and restorative afternoon designed to help you step away from the busyness, nurture calm and reconnect with the joy of the season.
Hosted by Yvette Colton and co-facilitated by Annie Harvey, the afternoon will weave together laughter, practical wellbeing tools, live harp music, creativity, mindful time in the garden and deep relaxation.
Come as you are. There is nothing to prepare, achieve or be good at. This is simply an afternoon to breathe, laugh, create and let yourself be looked after.
Your summer experience
Throughout the afternoon, you will enjoy:
Laughter yoga and playful activities led by Annie Harvey, creating space for lightness, connection and the simple pleasure of laughing together
Practical, evidence-informed techniques from Annie’s wellbeing work and books to help you nurture calm, manage overwhelm and support your wellbeing through the festive season and beyond
Healing Celtic harp music performed by Yvette, offering moments to pause, listen and reconnect with yourself
Harpa Nidra, our signature meditation experience inspired by Yoga Nidra and accompanied by the soothing sounds of live harp
Create a Summer Joy Jar filled with personal intentions and playful prompts to help you pause, recharge and make space for small moments of joy beyond the retreat.
Mindful time in the beautiful Sophia Centre garden, inviting you to slow down, engage your senses and spend time outside
Warm conversation and genuine connection with others in a welcoming, supportive setting
Tea and light nourishing refreshment
The afternoon will embrace the laughter, generosity and connection of the festive season while also creating space for calm and stillness within it.
You will leave feeling lighter, restored and better equipped to move through summer with greater joy and intention.
Who is this for?
This experience is for anyone who would like to:
Step away from everyday responsibilities for an afternoon
Recharge before the busiest part of the festive season
Feel calmer to embrace the joy and playfulness of summer
Laugh, create and connect with others
Enjoy beautiful live harp music and deep relaxation
Discover practical ways to support their wellbeing
Give themselves permission to receive, rather than always doing for others
You do not need any previous experience with laughter yoga, meditation, art or music. Every activity will be gently guided, and you are always welcome to participate in the way that feels right for you.
Come on your own or bring a friend.
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 work and family life, she understands how easily our own needs can be pushed aside.
A Celtic harpist for more than 20 years, Yvette performs with the South Australian Celtic Harp Orchestra and is also an exhibiting artist. She will thoughtfully host the afternoon, guide the creative experience and share joyful and healing harp music, including The Joy Project’s signature Harpa Nidra experience.
Annie Harvey
Bestselling Author • TEDx Speaker • Wellbeing Educator • Certified Laughter Yoga Leader
Annie Harvey brings together warmth, humour and practical, psychology-backed approaches to wellbeing. She is a TEDx speaker, bestselling author of The Little Book of STILL, creator of The F.U.N. Formula™ and a certified laughter yoga leader.
Annie will lead an uplifting laughter yoga experience and share practical techniques to help you feel calmer, more connected and more capable during the pressures of the festive season and everyday life.
Give yourself the afternoon
There will always be another task waiting. This afternoon is an opportunity to put down the list, step away from what needs doing and invest a little time in you.
You do not need to earn rest by reaching exhaustion.
Give yourself permission to pause, play and experience the joy of summer.
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 in the afternoon.
- How many people attend?
Our experiences are intentionally kept to a manageable size (usually below 15 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.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
