Created by Dr Tot Foster, Honorary Senio Research Associate in the School of Education, Tabletop Travels brings the world into people's homes through beautifully packaged travel boxes. Each box contains around ten sensory and cultural items, including food, drink, scents, postcards and crafts, carefully curated by a local artist to create an immersive experience of a European destination.
The idea was inspired by Jeannie Ellen, a woman who struggled to leave her home as she grew older. Like many people experiencing declining health, reduced mobility or anxiety about leaving the house, Jeannie faced barriers that limited her access to cultural activities and opportunities for social connection.
Recognising the importance of maintaining a rich and fulfilling cultural life, Jeannie developed her own way of travelling remotely. She collected materials from Italy, including art, fashion items and food, allowing her to explore new places and cultures without leaving home. Her creativity became the inspiration for Tabletop Travels.
The social venture creates artist-curated travel boxes designed to bring the sights, sounds, tastes and stories of European destinations directly into people's homes. Each beautifully packaged box contains around 10 sensory and cultural items, such as food, drink, scents, postcards and crafts, carefully selected by a local artist-curator.
Through these multi-sensory experiences, Tabletop Travels enables people who may be isolated, housebound or unable to travel to connect with different cultures and communities, supporting wellbeing, confidence and social connection.
As people age, they are more likely to live alone, experience declining health and face challenges that can increase feelings of loneliness and isolation. At the same time, research has shown that engagement with arts and culture can have significant benefits for wellbeing and quality of life. Tabletop Travels was developed to address this gap, ensuring that access to cultural experiences is not limited by a person's ability to travel.
Tabletop Travels was developed with support from ImpactU and funding from The National Lottery, helping transform an innovative idea into a social venture with the potential to create positive impact for communities across the UK.
Today, the venture continues to bring the richness of European destinations into people's homes, demonstrating how creativity, research and social innovation can come together to address real-world challenges and improve people's lives.