Celebrating Dads Rock’s Volunteers
Volunteers Week 2025 falls from the 2nd-8th of June this year. We thought we would take this opportunity to highlight all of our wonderful volunteers that make our work possible.
This week is all about recognising and celebrating the contribution of volunteers across the UK, and for us, it's a time to reflect with deep gratitude on the amazing people who choose to give their time, energy, and talents to support dads and families in our communities.
Gavin at the Volunteer Awards Ceremony
Gavin, one of our awesome trustees, and his wife Nikki attended the Inspiring Volunteer Awards Ceremony this week (Monday 2nd June) where Gavin received a certificate in recognition of his volunteering achievements. Whilst Chair, Gavin redefined what it means to be a trustee, bringing hands-on leadership, personal commitment, and a balance of strategy and action to Dads Rock. He fostered a culture of ambition and resilience, strengthening governance while encouraging creativity and bold decision-making - especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
His approach to fundraising has united the Dads Rock community, leading by example through challenges like the Kiltwalk and a 100ft abseil. His passion has inspired trustees, staff, and supporters to rally together. As he steps down as Chair, he leaves behind a stronger, more engaged organisation.
Together we Rock - Thanks to our Volunteers
All our volunteers give their time, effort and dedication to help us rock our goal to provide support to dads across Scotland. From direct support to behind-the-scenes contributions, every volunteer plays a vital role in Dads Rock’s operation. Take a look at our different types of volunteers:
P.S. Volunteers - These experienced dads and mums provide new dads with 1:1 peer support. They help dads to feel seen and heard, provide advice and remind them that they are not alone.
Two dads (Rob & Ash) recently abseiled off of the highest whisky distillery in the world to help fundraise for Dads Rock.
Playgroup Volunteers - Our playgroups allow us to connect with so many dads and families, and our playgroup volunteers ensure that they run smoothly by helping to set up, preparing food, running games or activities and more.
Fundraisers - Our fundraisers go the extra mile (literally). By taking on challenges like marathons, abseils, Kiltwalks, these volunteers help us to raise funds and awareness to keep our services going.
Trustees - Behind the scenes, our board of 12 incredible volunteer trustees lends their time, expertise, and insight to guide Dads Rock’s strategic direction. They bring skills from all walks of life and help ensure we remain a strong, sustainable, and effective charity.
Students - We are lucky to have the ability to take in university students on placement from marketing and social work courses. They gain valuable hands-on experience while contributing fresh ideas and helping us to reach and support dads.
Admin supporting fundraising - Some of our most vital work happens behind the scenes, and our admin volunteers keep it running by researching funders, compiling stats, supporting Google Ads, and helping with grant applications.
Corporate volunteers - helping us out with things like cleaning toys, putting out leaflets and maintaining our outdoor space.
The Impact of Volunteering
It is safe to say that the volunteering sector contributes a huge amount to society. In 2021-2022 more than 14 million people in the UK engaged in some form of volunteering, and the voluntary sector contributed an estimated £17.8bn to the UK economy in 2020/21. And volunteering can have a big impact on a smaller scale too. People who volunteer have reported increases in confidence, skill development and social connection, and all of these have been linked to improved employability and personal growth.
Within Dads Rock our volunteers make a huge difference, so we want to say thanks to every Dads Rock volunteer - you help us rock! Thank you for showing up, cheering on, and making a real difference in the lives of dads and their wee ones. Your kindness, commitment, and community spirit mean the world.
But don’t just take it from us, hear what our PS dads have to say about the volunteers who help them:
“I'm so grateful for Dads Rock and especially for my volunteer's ability to be consistently available, present, and very easy to talk to.”
“I found my sessions with my volunteer to be of enormous help. She was extremely empathetic and excellent at listening. My mental health was extremely poor when I started the sessions with her and it was extremely valuable to be able to have some time to focus on my health and my relationship with my son. Speaking to her and being able to run the issues I was having by her contributed to my mental health improving and me being able to go back enjoying my life and spending time with my son and my partner.”
“I was able to speak with someone with more experience than me in parenting, and even just having an opportunity to do so improved so much my mental health and my perception of this new situation.”
“It is a great program and has helped me massively. And thanks to my volunteer for all his tips and knowledge.”
Join Us in Celebrating Our Volunteers
Once again we want to say thank you to every single person who volunteers for us. We simply wouldn’t be able to run without you. From helping at our groups and supporting families, to lending a hand behind the scenes, your efforts help families thrive across Scotland.
Volunteers Week is the perfect time to shine a light on your hard work and to celebrate the powerful impact you have. We see it in the smiles at our playgroups, the confidence in new dads learning to connect, and the strength of the communities we help build together.
If you’ve ever thought about getting involved, there’s never been a better time to join our team of volunteers. Whether you can give an hour a week or a day a month, every bit of help counts. You’ll be supported, valued, and become part of something special.
Find out more about how you can get involved here: Volunteering