Posted on: Friday 28 November 2025
Torfaen Play Service has won two national awards at the Children and Young People Now Awards in London, having been nominated for the first time.
The Children and Young People Now Awards, which took place on Thursday 20 November, are among the most respected accolades within the sector, celebrating outstanding practice across the UK.
The service was shortlisted for both a Play Award and a Youth Volunteering and Social Action Award, recognising it's remarkable growth and impact over the past 20 years.
What began as a small team offering play opportunities in the early 2000s, expanded into a highly regarded service that delivers more than 100 quality play provisions each year to around 8,000 children and young people.
Their award-winning Youth Volunteering Project was celebrated for its transformative role in the lives of young people, with around 200 young people trained each year to help deliver the play programme.
The project provides them with meaningful work-based experience, leadership opportunities, and valuable employability skills.
Impressively, the project has provided over 32,000 volunteering hours on an average year.
Julian Davenne, Play Service Manager, said: “We were absolutely thrilled just to be shortlisted for two awards, so to win both was truly incredible.
"These achievements reflect the dedication of our staff, volunteers, young people, and partners who make this service what it is."
Torfaen Play offer a wide range of activities, including open-access play sessions, exciting holiday programmes, breakfast and after-school clubs, Food and Fun camps, and tailored support for families with additional needs.
Earlier this year, they introduced new Sensory Play Rooms , expanding their support for families with vulnerable and disabled children by creating more inclusive spaces across the borough..
Cllr Richard Clark, Torfaen Council’s Executive Member for Children, Families and Education, added: “This double success firmly places Torfaen Play Service among the leading play and youth support providers nationwide.
"Our priority is to give every child the best possible start in life and reduce inequality by focusing on early identification and prevention. We are committed to supporting young people to gain the qualifications, skills and confidence they need to lead positive, independent and fulfilling lives.”
For upcoming activities, events and provisions, delivered by the service, visit the Connect Torfaen website.
Find out more information about Torfaen Play Service on the Torfaen Council website.