"Volunteering is a great way to give something back to society."

Looking for a fun, free way to get your family moving on a Saturday morning? Or perhaps you’re ready to give back to your local community in a way that’s active, inclusive, and full of joy? ParkPlay is here — and it’s changing the way communities come together in Hertfordshire. What is ParkPlay? ParkPlay is a free, fun-filled community event that takes place every Saturday morning in local parks. It’s all about play — simple, energetic games and activities for people of all ages and abilities. From dodgeball and tag to throw-and-catch and team games, ParkPlay is relaxed, inclusive, and a brilliant way to get everyone moving. Whether you're 5 or 75, a seasoned athlete or just want to join in the fun, everyone is welcome — and no booking is needed. Hertfordshire is lucky to be home to several active ParkPlay sites, with sessions currently running in: Hemel Hempstead South Oxhey Letchworth Garden City More locations are launching soon in Bishop’s Stortford , Broxbourne , and Welwyn Garden City — bringing the joy of play to even more communities across the county. Become a PlayLeader – Make a Difference Through Play Want to do more than just take part? You can help make the magic happen by becoming a PlayLeader . ParkPlay relies on local volunteers to lead games, welcome new faces, and build that all-important community spirit. As a PlayLeader, you’ll receive full training and support , and you don’t need any previous experience — just energy, enthusiasm, and a passion for helping people feel included and active. Here’s what’s great about volunteering as a PlayLeader: No weekly commitment required – volunteer when you can You can bring your family with you – everyone joins in! Great for confidence, leadership skills, and community connection Perfect for individuals, families, students, and professionals alike Ready to jump in? Browse current opportunities here: 👉 ParkPlay Volunteer Roles on GoVolHerts Why ParkPlay Matters ParkPlay isn’t just about games — it’s about wellbeing, inclusion, and community . It offers: A free and safe space for kids to play A way to meet neighbours and make new friends An opportunity to volunteer, lead, and make a difference A healthier, happier start to your Saturday Whether you’re playing or leading, you’re part of something bigger — building stronger communities through the power of play.

Summer holidays can feel long, especially when you’re trying to keep kids entertained, off screens, and doing something meaningful. If you're looking for free, fun ways to spend time together as a family while making a positive impact, volunteering might be the perfect fit. Across Hertfordshire, there are a wide variety of ways to get involved, whatever your family's interests — from cheering on young runners to building bug hotels or gardening alongside your children. Discover the Joy of Junior Parkrun (and How to Get Involved) Looking for something active, social and community-focused? Junior Parkrun is a free, weekly 2k event held every Sunday morning for children aged 4–14 — and it’s not just about running. Junior parkruns are organised entirely by volunteers, and families are at the heart of it. You might find a mum marshalling with her toddler in tow, a grandparent high-fiving kids at the finish line, or siblings volunteering side-by-side. The atmosphere is always welcoming, inclusive and full of energy. You don’t need any previous experience to join in as a volunteer. Roles include: Timekeeping Barcode scanning Course marshalling Token sorting Cheering! Volunteering as a family is a great way to model community spirit and encourage physical activity, while also building new friendships. Many young people also use it to complete their Duke of Edinburgh Award volunteering hours — and often inspire the rest of their family to join in. Find your nearest parkrun event at parkrun.org.uk , then get in touch with the event team to volunteer. Whether you help out once or every week, your support makes a difference.

Looking for fun, meaningful activities to do with the kids during the summer holidays? Why not try volunteering as a family? The Family Volunteering Club (FVC) offers free, family-friendly volunteering sessions that make it easy and enjoyable for children aged 0–9 years — and the adults in their lives — to give back to their communities. Whether you’ve got toddlers, school-aged children, or both, FVC sessions are designed to be inclusive, engaging, and impactful for every member of the family. What is the Family Volunteering Club? FVC is a charity that creates regular, hands-on volunteering experiences for young children and their grown-ups. The sessions are short, accessible, and always purposeful — giving families a chance to connect with local causes in ways that are fun and age-appropriate. Since launching their Stevenage programme in 2023, FVC has been helping families support a wide range of local organisations through activities like: Gardening and revamping outdoor community spaces Decorating cupcakes to raise money for Lister Hospital Making new mum packs for The Baby Shed Litter picking in Fairlands Valley Park Helping out at local food banks Spending time with elderly residents at local care homes  And this summer, there are even more exciting opportunities for families to get involved! Upcoming Events in Stevenage You Won’t Want to Miss: 🍓 Strawberries and Friendship When: 6th July, 10:00–11:00 Where: Stevenage (exact location shared upon registration) Families are invited to join a heart-warming session of gardening and strawberry picking with residents at a local care home. It’s a lovely opportunity for children to connect with older members of the community while helping maintain and enjoy the garden space. Expect stories, laughter, and lots of strawberries! 🐞 Bug Houses for Church Farm, Ardeley When: 19th July, 10:00–11:00 Where: Church Farm, Ardeley Get crafty and support local biodiversity by helping build bug houses for the farm’s gardens. This session is a fantastic way for kids to learn about insects and their role in the ecosystem, while contributing to a popular local community farm. You can also find the full calendar of events and sign up here: 👉 Family Volunteering Club – Stevenage Events Why Volunteer as a Family? Family volunteering offers more than just a fun day out. It: Builds empathy and teamwork in young children Creates lasting family memories Teaches kids about real-world issues in a positive, hands-on way Helps support important local causes that benefit everyone in the community Whether your family is brand new to volunteering or looking to build on previous experiences, these bite-sized, feel-good sessions are the perfect place to start. Spots fill up quickly , so be sure to book ahead and secure your place! We hope to see you and your little ones out in the community this summer — planting, building, sharing, and smiling together!