Eight volunteers are now working alongside Torfaen Council's Early Years team, supporting Pop-in and Play sessions across the borough.
The initiative is part of a new approach introduced by the council's Early Years service through The Torfaen Deal, bringing residents and services together to better support children and families.
Emma Treadgold, Early Help and Partnership Manager at Torfaen Council, said: "The volunteers are playing a key role to help give children the best start in life by delivering family support sessions and making connections with parents and young children in their communities.
"The volunteers come from a range of backgrounds, including parents who already attend groups, college students gaining valuable work experience and retired professionals.
"They help welcome families, set up play activities and encourage participation during the sessions. Their contribution enables the council's qualified early years staff to spend more time supporting families who need additional help."
Among those volunteering is Lyn Cleverly, who joined a Pop in and Play session at Griffithstown Primary in April.
Lyn said: “Since retiring from school nursing, I wanted to do something worthwhile and give back to my community.
"My grandchild lives away and I love spending time with children. Volunteering keeps me active, connected and I'm enjoying every minute.”
The service has seen a growth in demand for one-to-one family support in recent years, with many families are increasingly choosing flexible drop-in sessions over structured programmes.
By involving volunteers, the team has expanded its offer while ensuring specialist staff remain available to work with families facing more complex challenges.
Cllr Richard Clark, Executive Member for Children and Families at Torfaen Council, said: "Our parenting programmes play a vital role in strengthening families, improving parent-child relationships and supporting positive child development.
"Our newly established Early years Volunteering Programme is truly making a real difference in enabling us to reach and engage with more families. In turn, this is also allowing staff to focus on, and give one to one support for those families who need more intensive support.
"The Deal is about working with communities and recognising the valuable role local people can play in helping children and families thrive."
As well as supporting the popular Pop In and Play sessions, the volunteers also take a lead in delivering Swap Don't Shop sessions, support Forest School activities and help to promote the Torfaen Family Information Service.
All volunteers complete DBS checks and receive training, an induction pack and uniform before starting.
The Early Years Volunteering Programme was developed with support from Torfaen Voluntary Alliance, who helped establish recruitment, training and governance arrangements.
To find out more about volunteering opportunities or Torfaen Early Years sessions, visit the Connect Torfaen website (opens in new tab).