My son’s primary school recently adopted the OPAL playground model - a proven, mentor-led approach that enhances the quality of play and overall experience in British primary schools. As part of the implementation, the school asked for volunteers to help build playground resources.
I was able to find a few suitable hours on a Friday afternoon in my work calendar—enough time to contribute without disrupting the overall flow of my work week. This felt like a great opportunity to give back to the school and feel more engaged with the local community, rather than just dropping my son off each day and relying on the school to handle everything.
I had previously looked into volunteering with local charities or food banks, but those opportunities didn’t always align with my schedule. That’s why I’d encourage anyone—if you come across a meaningful way to contribute that fits into your routine, go for it.
It’s incredibly rewarding to give back and feel more connected to the people and places around you.
“This felt like a great opportunity to give back to the school and feel more engaged with the local community.”
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