Volunteer Award for Who Let The Dad's Out Group Leader

Victoria Waring, the leader of Bolsover Who Let the Dads Out at Bolsover Methodist Church, has received an award for her commitment to volunteering.

Victoria has been awarded the Supportive Volunteer Award at the Bolsover CVS Volunteer Awards 2024 in recognition of her dedication and exceptional commitment as a Bolsover volunteer.

Bolsover Who Let the Dads Out has been running for almost 3 years and was set up as a place for Dad's, Grandad's and male Carers to bring children to play, but also socialise together and support each other strengthening both families and communities.

The group regularly has around 50-60 adults and children who enjoy playing in a relaxed 'stay and play' environment with a variety of toys which can also contribute towards their physical and social development.

In the run up to Christmas the children and their grown-ups made Christmas tree decorations and they have been displayed on a tree at The Bolsover Castle as part of its Christmas Tree festival

Victoria also created a Santa's Grotto for the children to enjoy at the Christmas party earlier this month and arranged for all the children to have a Christmas present of a chocolate selection box and colouring book courtesy of Morrisons and Tesco's.

Victoria said: "I was so grateful to receive the award from the Bolsover Community Voluntary Service. I have two young children myself and know how much my husband enjoys spending his own time with our girls, as well as socialising with his friends (and the added bonus of a bacon sandwich and cup of coffee which is often rare when trying to juggle work and other life commitments).

"I love running the group each month enjoying the challenge of thinking of new and exciting ways to keep both dads and children entertained. Although, my favourite part is seeing all the kids enjoying themselves making it a Saturday worthwhile.

"I could not run the group without the help of the other volunteers who selflessly give up a Saturday once a month to come and help – they really are an amazing bunch and I'm looking forward to seeing what 2025 brings."

Margaret Rowley, Bolsover Methodist Church said: Who Let the Dads Out is a valuable service for this community, we are astounded by how many Dads, Grandads and Carers come along month after month and this is all thanks to Victoria and her team."