About Dreamscape Community Connections | What We Are & What We’re Not

About Dreamscape Community Connections C.I.C

Dreamscape Community Connections C.I.C. is a not for profit Community Interest Company creating calm, neurodivergent friendly spaces across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and surrounding areas.

We help people find connection in a way that feels gentle and manageable. That might mean making friends, trying something new, building confidence, or simply being around kind people.

Dreamscape is for people who may find busy places, traditional groups or social situations overwhelming. You do not have to arrive confident. You do not have to be loud. You can come as you are.

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Who we are

Dreamscape was created from lived experience, kindness and the belief that everyone deserves somewhere they can feel accepted.

We create calm meet ups, community events, creative sessions, walks, meals, online spaces and support pathways that help people connect at their own pace.

We are not clinical.
We are not therapy.
We are not here to fix people.

We are here to create calmer spaces where people can feel less alone, build confidence gently and find community in a way that feels right for them.

Why Dreamscape exists

Many people want connection, but getting there can feel hard.

Walking into a new place can feel scary.
Starting conversations can feel overwhelming.
Busy spaces can feel too much.
Masking can be exhausting.
Not knowing what to expect can stop people from coming at all.

Dreamscape exists to make those first steps feel softer.

We believe connection should not only be for people who already feel confident, outgoing or comfortable in social spaces.

Sometimes belonging starts with a cup of tea, a board game, a short walk, a shared activity, or simply sitting near kind people without pressure.

What makes Dreamscape different?

Low pressure spaces

There is no forced joining in, no pressure to talk, and no expectation to be someone you are not.

Neurodivergent friendly

Dreamscape is created with ADHD, autism, anxiety, PDA, OCD and sensory needs in mind.

Clear information

We aim to share what to expect, where to go, what is included and anything that may help people feel more prepared.

Community led

Dreamscape is shaped by real people, lived experience, local connection and the needs of the community.

Friendship without pressure

You can come to make friends, meet people gently, sit quietly, join in slowly or simply be around others.

Come as you are

You do not have to explain yourself, mask, perform confidence or have the right words to belong here.

Maslow

Maslow helps us understand the importance of safety, belonging and connection before confidence and growth can happen.

Bronfenbrenner

Bronfenbrenner reminds us that people are shaped by their relationships, environments, communities and wider systems.

Bandura

Bandura supports our focus on confidence, encouragement, self belief and small achievable steps.

Rogers

Rogers highlights the importance of warmth, acceptance, empathy and meeting people as they are.

Vygotsky

Vygotsky helps us understand the value of gentle support, shared learning and growing alongside others.

Putnam

Putnam reminds us how important social connection, community and belonging are.

Dreamscape is theorist informed, lived experience informed and community led. We are not clinical, medical or therapy based.

Who is Dreamscape for?

Dreamscape is for people who want gentle opportunities to meet others, build friendships and feel part of something without pressure.

We welcome autistic people, ADHDers, PDAers, people with OCD, anxiety, sensory needs, late identified, undiagnosed and self identifying neurodivergent people.

You do not need to arrive confident. You can come quietly, take your time and join in in your own way.

Dreamscape offers gentle spaces for people who feel disconnected, overwhelmed or unsure where they fit.

Some sessions may be suitable for carers, parents or trusted supporters to attend alongside someone, depending on the event.

You do not need a big reason to come. Wanting company, creativity, food, fresh air or community is enough.

What we do

Low Pressure Meet Ups

Meals, walks, board games, creative sessions, pool nights and calm social spaces.

View Meet Ups

Community Events

Larger community days, pop ups, stalls and places where Dreamscape will be out and about.

View Community Events

Community Pathways

Gentle pathways including pantry support, online community, Community Companions and future support options.

Explore Pathways

Online Community

A softer way to stay connected from home, ask questions and feel part of Dreamscape.

Join Online

Community Pantry and Sharing Hub

A dignity led space for sharing, swapping and supporting each other with everyday items.

Explore Pantry

Empowering Community Pathways

A developing pathway for gentle community access, confidence building and one to one support where appropriate.

Coming Soon

Our values

Dreamscape is shaped by our 5Cs.

Calm

Creating gentler spaces where people can breathe and take their time.

Connection

Helping people feel less alone through kind, low pressure community.

Creativity

Using activities, ideas and shared moments to bring people together.

Confidence

Supporting people to try new things at their own pace.

Community

Building belonging through inclusion, kindness and safer spaces.

A note from our founder

Hi, I'm Marybeth, the founder of Dreamscape Community Connections C.I.C. Dreamscape was created because I know what it can feel like to want connection but find traditional spaces overwhelming. I know how hard it can be to walk into a room, start a conversation, ask for help or feel like you belong somewhere. That is why Dreamscape is built differently. We focus on calm information, low pressure spaces, lived experience, theorist informed thinking and kindness. You do not have to be loud to belong here. You do not have to arrive confident. You can come exactly as you are.

What Dreamscape is not

Dreamscape is not a crisis, clinical, therapy, medical or emergency service.

We do not replace professional mental health support, medical care, safeguarding services or emergency help.

Dreamscape is a community connection space. We create gentle opportunities for people to feel less alone, build confidence, make friends and connect with community.

Choose your path

I want to come to something

Find upcoming low pressure meet ups and community events.

View What's On

I feel nervous

Read gentle information about what to expect before coming along.

Start Here

I want to volunteer

Find out how to support Dreamscape as a volunteer or Community Companion.

Volunteer With Us

I want to support Dreamscape

Sponsor a space, support the pantry, donate, partner or share our work.

Support Dreamscape

Ready to start gently?

You do not need to know exactly where you fit yet.

You can browse what's on, read what to expect, join online, volunteer, or simply follow along until you feel ready.

View What's On Feeling Nervous? Start Here Contact Dreamscape