DCH supports community volunteering and families in Plymouth

As part of its continued commitment to investing in its communities DCH has provided a £15,000 grant to the One Step Beyond CIC (OSB) Play Rangers Project in Barne Barton, Plymouth.

The funding will provide opportunities this summer for DCH customers in Barne Barton, Plymouth to get involved with volunteering in their community and for families to make the most of activity sessions over five weeks in the holidays. Play Rangers are trained playworkers who provide a range of activities for children and their families in open access, outdoor spaces. They arrive at parks with a van load of materials and equipment, including sports, games, arts and craft and face painting, and everything they deliver is free to join in with.

As part of this project, customers are not only able to come along on the day to join in the activities but can also gain experience and accreditation through volunteering. Anyone who volunteers for the project will be given training and supported to engage children in play activities.

This summer’s Play Ranger Sessions will take place Mondays from 25 July to 22 August at Kelly Close, Barne Barton and Thursdays from 28 July to 25 August at Red Brick Field, Barne Barton.

Paul Marshall, Community Engagement Director at DCH said: “We are really pleased to be able to support this project which offers a great way for us to work with families in the Barne Barton area to improve the activities available to them and develop their skills. We hope lots of our customers will get involved in both the activities and the volunteering opportunities.”

Jane Cooper, Play Projects Manager for OSB said: “Volunteering is a great way to build both skills and confidence. We welcome all volunteers aged 16 and above and this opportunity would particularly suit parents of primary school children who want to get involved with something but need to have their children with them. There will be lots for their children to do and it’s right on their doorstep.”

The training day for this summer’s volunteers is being held on Tuesday 12 July 11am – 2pm. If you are interested in volunteering for the Play Rangers Project please email - justine.cheffers@dchgroup.com or play@stonehouseplayspace.org