Posted on: Tuesday 24 February 2026
More than 160 volunteers have been celebrated at this year’s Play Service Volunteering Awards ceremony.
The event, held at the Congress Theatre in Cwmbran on Monday, recognised the volunteers for providing more than 28,000 hours of play support over the past year.
18-year-old Jack Evans, from Cwmbran, was awarded ‘Volunteer of the Year’ for his dedication, reliability and positive impact at various after-school clubs, weekend play sessions and half term and summer play provisions across Torfaen.
Jack, who was presented with his award by Lynne Neagle MS, has been volunteering since 2024 and in that time, he has given over 1,000 hours of his free time to champion children’s right to play, earning a Torfaen Voluntary Alliance Volunteer Recognition Programme certificate in recognition of his commitment.
He said: “I’m shocked, but really happy to receive the award. Volunteering with the play service has allowed me to gain more confidence and a better understanding of working with children.
"I have received great support and encouragement from the play team. I would really like to continue my career working with children and young people”
The ceremony also saw certificates presented to all summer volunteers, term time volunteers, apprentices, trainees and play helpers.
Prior to starting their roles all volunteers take part in a training week, covering areas such as safeguarding, health and safety, risk assessments, equality and diversity and anti‑bullying.
When their time with the service ends, volunteers receive professional references and evidence of their hours to support Welsh Baccalaureate, college or university applications.
Cllr Richard Clarke, Executive Member for Children, Families and Education, said: “Without the incredible number of young people who volunteer their free time, we simply couldn’t offer such a wide range of play opportunities or the high levels of inclusion our communities have come to value.”
“Our volunteers are at the heart of the service. Their passion and energy help to give children the best start in life, while also giving them a platform to build confidence, develop new skills and inspire a lifelong love of learning.”
The Play Service is now recruiting summer volunteers, with over 80 young people having already applied so far this year.
If you are 16 or over and interested in joining the fun this summer, you need to apply online via the Torfaen Council website by the end of April.
For more information about the different types of volunteering and training offered, email andrea.sysum@torfaen.gov.uk