Thanking our Shining Stars!

National Volunteer week (1-7 June 2018) was a time for celebration at Playskill and allowed us to reflect on the difference our volunteers make to both our staff and families.

We are extremely lucky to have over 40 highly talented and skilled volunteers who work relentlessly to support our Playskill family in many different ways.  From Trustees, administrators, therapists, parent support volunteers, parent reps, group volunteers and translators (to name a few).  We are just so lucky to have so many Shining Stars!

Saturday saw the launch of our celebrations through us hosting a stand at the Watford Volunteer Fair.  This was a good networking opportunity for our current volunteers to meet each other, share ideas and build new relationships. It also allowed us to raise further awareness of Playskill in our local community.  We were very lucky to be visited by the new Watford Mayor and Deputy Mayor who came to the stand to say how impressed they are by the work of Playskill.

Within each group either Andrea or I presented our volunteers with a small gift bag to say thank you for volunteering at Playskill.  I volunteered my time to make these bags as I wanted each volunteer to have a small special gift.

Behind the scenes I hold regular support and development meetings with our volunteers and I am always hugely grateful for all the wonderful suggestions they make on how they can further develop their role and make Playskill even better!

National Volunteer Week inspired me to gain feedback from our parents and staff on our volunteers and many wrote heartfelt messages on starbursts to thank our volunteering team. It is evident how valued our volunteers are.

Here are just a few of them:

“A warm smile and a cup of tea that makes a massive difference to all especially a wobbly heart…. Our amazing group volunteers!”

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making Playskill possible.  You have been a lifeline to our son and all of the family.”

“Volunteers are essential and hugely valued by all the team members.  They keep us running on time and are a massive part of Playskill.”

“To all the fabulous Playskill Trustees.  Thank you so much for all you do behind the scenes, so we can attend Playskill.  Xxx”

“Without the Trustees, Playskill couldn’t happen, we are so grateful for all your work.”

“Thank you!  Playskill wouldn’t be the same without you. Xx”

Emma Allum