Quality Standard 3.3

Support wellbeing of staff and volunteers

Toy libraries rely on volunteers and sometimes paid staff to operate. Supporting their wellbeing helps create a positive, sustainable environment where people feel confident, valued, and connected to the toy library community. When volunteers and staff know what is expected of them, where to go for help, and feel appreciated for their contributions, they are more likely to enjoy their involvement and stay engaged.

Toy libraries can support wellbeing by providing clear roles, welcoming inductions, supportive supervision, and opportunities for learning and connection. Simple practices such as clear instructions, regular check-ins, and recognising contributions help people feel comfortable and confident in their roles.

A culture that prioritises wellbeing strengthens teamwork, improves the volunteer experience, and helps toy libraries continue to provide a welcoming space for families and children.

Why volunteer and staff wellbeing matters

Toy libraries rely on the time, energy, and goodwill of volunteers and sometimes paid staff. Supporting the wellbeing of the people who run the toy library is essential to creating a sustainable and welcoming organisation.

When volunteers and staff feel supported, valued, and confident in their roles they are more likely to enjoy their involvement and remain connected to the toy library. Supporting wellbeing also helps people feel safe to ask questions, learn new skills, and contribute ideas.

Toy libraries can promote wellbeing by:

providing clear roles and expectations
creating supportive relationships within the team
recognising and appreciating contributions
ensuring people know where to go for help
creating a positive and inclusive environment

Supporting wellbeing is not complicated. Often it comes from small actions that help people feel confident, welcomed, and connected to the toy library community.

Creating a supportive environment

A supportive toy library environment helps volunteers and staff feel comfortable, confident, and valued.

Practical ways toy libraries can support wellbeing include:

ensuring volunteers know who they can go to for help
making instructions and processes clear
encouraging questions and learning
pairing new volunteers with experienced volunteers
ensuring volunteers are not left alone or unsure what to do
recognising the contributions of volunteers

Toy libraries are community organisations, and fostering a culture of kindness, inclusion, and collaboration helps strengthen the wellbeing of the whole team.

Supporting paid staff (if applicable)

Toy libraries that employ staff should ensure staff feel supported in their roles and have clear communication with the committee. Employing staff is a significant investment for most toy libraries, and supporting them well helps ensure the role delivers long-term value for the organisation and community.

In many toy libraries, the staff member becomes the key link between the committee and members. They often build relationships with families, represent the toy library during sessions, and may help recruit volunteers or identify future committee members. Because of this central role, staff need clear guidance, support, and opportunities to share insights from day-to-day operations with the committee.

It is also important to recognise that while committees may change regularly as volunteers rotate through roles, staff often provide continuity and operational knowledge. Respecting the expertise and experience of staff helps committees make informed decisions and maintain consistency in how the toy library operates. Depending on the role and skill level of the staff member, recognising opportunities for autonomy and ownership of areas of work can also demonstrate that the committee values their expertise and contribution.

Good practices include:

clear reporting lines to a designated committee contact person
regular check-ins to discuss priorities, challenges, and successes
opportunities for staff to provide feedback and ideas
professional development opportunities
recognising and valuing staff contributions to the toy library community

Supporting staff wellbeing helps ensure staff feel respected, supported, and able to perform their role effectively while strengthening the connection between the committee, volunteers, and members.

Volunteer induction and confidence building

A good induction process helps volunteers feel confident and reduces stress or uncertainty when starting.

Volunteer induction may include:

welcoming the volunteer and explaining the toy library purpose
showing them around the space
explaining how borrowing and returns work
demonstrating toy cleaning and safety procedures
outlining child safe expectations
introducing the people they can ask for help

Providing simple guides, checklists, or visual instructions can help volunteers feel more comfortable and confident during their first sessions.

Ongoing support and connection

Supporting wellbeing does not stop after induction. Volunteers and staff benefit from ongoing connection and encouragement.

Toy libraries can support wellbeing through:

regular informal check-ins
opportunities to ask questions or raise concerns
sharing updates and celebrating successes
recognising volunteer contributions
creating opportunities for social connection

Simple practices like saying thank you, celebrating milestones, or sharing positive stories from families can strengthen volunteers’ sense of purpose and wellbeing.

Reference: https://www.vic.gov.au/zone-fabulousness

Quality Standard 3.3

Support wellbeing of staff and volunteers

Why volunteer and staff wellbeing matters

Creating a supportive environment

Supporting paid staff (if applicable)

Volunteer induction and confidence building

Ongoing support and connection

Recommended Documents

Volunteer support

Staff support

Recommended Links

Further Learning

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