VOLUNTEERS from the county's play service were celebrated at a presentation this week.
The annual Play Service Volunteer Awards took place at Pontypool Active Living Centre to celebrate some of the key achievements young people across Torfaen make to support every child’s right to play.
Torfaen Play supports an active network of over 200 volunteers and this year alone they have collectively achieved 48,380 of volunteering hours.
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The volunteer evening presents an opportunity for Play Service staff and Councillors to say thank you to its network of volunteers and pay recognition to their hard work and dedication.
Volunteers received awards for term time provisions, supporting the delivery of community play clubs, projects linked to schools and weekend respite.
Awards were also presented to volunteers who support the summer playschemes in Torfaen, Monmouthshire, Blaenau Gwent and Merthyr Tydfil.
Deserved winner of the prestigious 'volunteer of the year' award went to Rhys Salkeld from Fairwater in Cwmbran. Rhys has provided over 600 hours of volunteering over the last year alone, supporting children with disabilities to access play and recreational provision.
Cllr Mandy Owen, Executive Member for Children and Young People said, 'It really is amazing and heart-warming, seeing so many young people give up their free time to volunteer and support children and young people across the borough.
The play service here in Torfaen is a great example of youth engagement and the community working together.'
Play Service Manager Julian Davenne stated: "I am so proud of the Play Service volunteer project, without the volunteers we could not provide inclusive play opportunities.
"I would like to say a huge thank you to all volunteers have supported our play programme over the past 12 months and i look forward to another successful year of play in 2020."
If you are interested in volunteering with Torfaen Play Service, please visit our website and register your interest for 2020.
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