The Haberdashers’ Company has been supporting Hackney Playbus since 2024, with a series of small grants (£5,000 each).
For the past two years this has helped fund a vital staff post: the Volunteer Programme Coordinator. With the help of this funding, they have been able to sustain and develop a volunteering programme that is central to their service delivery and wider community impact.
The mission of Hackney Playbus strongly aligns with the Company’s Purpose: they believe that all children under five should have the same opportunities to grow, thrive, and reach their potential. Their mission is to provide play, learning, and support to socially excluded families, supporting children’s early development while strengthening families and communities.
Volunteers are an integral and foundational part of this work. They help run stay and play sessions safely and smoothly, contribute to a welcoming and inclusive environment, and strengthen the charity’s ability to respond to the varied and complex needs of families.
Over the past year, 12 volunteers have supported Hackney Playbus, including five
parents who previously used their services. This diverse mix of volunteers brings a wonderful range of experience: they understand what families are going through and how challenging life can be.
One parent shared: “Having the opportunity to give back all the help and support Playbus gave to me makes me feel amazing. I’ve built a family with them, and I don’t want to lose the connection that I’ve built.”
Volunteers are given the right support to ensure health & safety and safeguarding procedures are fully met. Volunteers access Paediatric First Aid training (accredited), children’s speech and language development, and Food Hygiene Level 2 training (accredited).
The volunteers are supported even beyond this. The Coordinator helps them as they take steps towards employment, education, and other opportunities, including help with CVs, applications, and references.
Several volunteers have moved on to new roles, and they leave with increased confidence, strengthened skills, and improved employability.
Hackney Playbus is also grateful for the additional support of an individual Haberdashers’ member (who shall remain nameless!) who has contributed funding specifically to recognise volunteers following a conversation at the Haberdashers’ Charities Engagement Evening last year. Also, for the hard work of Folami, for running and fundraising for the Playbus in the Hackney Half!
As demand for the charity’s services continues to grow and families’ needs become more
complex, volunteers remain essential to our work. The Volunteer Programme Coordinator post is vital to the charity’s success, and the Company should be proud of the part it plays in this.
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