Bridport volunteer recognised with award for kids playgroup

Louise Perry was won the award after being nominated by the Bridport Youth and Community Centre for her ‘amazing work’ running the stay and play activities group.

The playgroup offers children under five two hours of self-led play – an important part of a  child’s emotional and physical development.

The group is very close to Louise’s heart, which she runs with the help of a small team of other volunteers, who assist her with collecting the £1 entrance fee, setting up, and befriending parents.

She said: “I have got to know so many parents and their children, I love going round the tables, seeing how the children enjoy playing with the different play activities, and it gives me an opportunity to get to know them and to think up different games and activities for them.

“I am very grateful to Mary Ann Haggett for all the support she gives. From the setting up and clearing as well as preparing the fruit, laying out the drinks and washing up afterwards. I couldn’t do it without her.”

Children under six months use a reserved area where parents share their experiences of the early months of parenting, whilst older children ride on small tractors and cars, learning to play and share with others. There are also tables for tactile play, for the children to develop their fine motor skills.

There is a dedicated area for children under six months were parents can share their early parenting experiences (Image: Margie Barbour)

Lauren Good, who took her son George to the stay and play group, said: “There was always such a warm welcome at the door, and as my son had experienced the isolation of Covid during his early years. it was so good to see him slowly become more confident in a safe friendly environment and prepare him for school.”

Those who had been chosen for an award through the scheme run by the Dorset Volunteer Centre gathered at the Dorford Centre in Dorchester, on Friday, October 6, to receive their certificates and for people to hear about their contribution as a volunteer.

Margie Barbour, who fundraises for the Bridport Youth and Community Centre, said: “The board felt Lou needed to be acknowledged for the amazing work she does as a volunteer, it gives the parents and children time together with others in a safe creative environment.”

The stay and play sessions are run at the centre on Mondays and Thursdays from 9.30am to 11.30am.

There will also be a tabletop sale  from 1pm to 3pm, on Saturday, Ocotber 14, with every item priced at just 50p to raise funds to pay for new tables.