Our sessions thrive on the magic of community - and the more people who stir the pot, the richer the experience for everyone! Stone Soup is largely volunteer-led, and we believe everyone has something valuable to bring, no matter how big or small. Whether you're a whizz with numbers, a creative spark, a friendly face at stay-and-play, or simply keen to share our posts - there’s a place for you here.
We’re always on the lookout for brilliant people from all walks of life to help shape and deliver our projects. Your voice matters, and your skills - whether in organising, storytelling, making others feel welcome, finance, strategy or something else completely - can help us better reflect and serve our whole community. Explore how you can get involved and be part of something joyful, inclusive and full of purpose.
Whether or not you have children, you're welcome to volunteer with us - and if you do, little ones are more than welcome to join the fun!
There are so many benefits to volunteering, both for yourself and the people who join our sessions. You will contribute to our mission of ensuring that all children enjoy creative early learning opportunities which set them up to thrive for life.
Volunteering can:
Give you a sense of achievement and purpose
Help you meet new people so you feel more connected and valued as part of a community
Help you feel better about yourself by improving your self-esteem and confidence
Help you share your talents, learn new skills and create a better work-life balance
Help combat stress, loneliness, social isolation and depression
Help with job opportunities.
At Stone Soup, we believe that the simple act of playing, exploring and connecting with others can have a powerful impact on children’s learning and development. And the evidence backs this up!
Research shows that informal, play-based sessions - like our stay-and-play gatherings - help children develop essential skills that last a lifetime. Whether it's building confidence, learning new words, problem-solving, or understanding how to get along with others, children learn best when they’re having fun and following their own curiosity.
According to studies by the Education Endowment Foundation, play-based learning can boost early progress in things like language and number skills - especially when grown-ups join in and help spark ideas through conversation and encouragement. Meanwhile, research from University College London highlights how everyday play, in homes and community spaces just like ours, supports emotional wellbeing, helps children feel connected, and builds strong foundations for future learning.
So when we sing songs, paint with sticks, stir the soup, or read a story under a tree it’s not just fun (though it definitely is!). It’s also giving children the tools they need to thrive.
Different ways to volunteer
We have a range of ways to get involved and support Stone Soup. Many of us started volunteering during maternity or paternity leave as it was something we could do with our little ones in tow. Whether or not you have children, you're welcome to volunteer with us - and if you do, little ones are more than welcome to join the fun!
This is an easy way to help! An extra pair of hands to help set up, run or tidy up a session are always welcome. Or share an idea for an activity or theme and help make it happen!
Would you like to lead or co-lead one of our sessions? Or maybe you'd like to organise your own regular session? We are always open to new programmes.
We particularly welcome support to our core group on community outreach, fundraising, partnership development, communications and marketing.
Email us to tell us a little more about yourself and what role you could see yourself taking on. We'd be happy to have a chat about an idea or meet to talk about it over a coffee. You are also welcome to join one of our sessions!