Volunteer - Children's Charity (1-2 hours per week) - Wokingham / Reading Area
Would you to help children with additional needs and disabilities in your local community? Make a difference to a child’s life by volunteering with Me2 Club and helping children to feel included and make friends.
Me2 Club is an inclusion charity for children and young people with additional needs and disabilities in the Wokingham and Reading Boroughs. Me2 Club's purpose is to tackle the social isolation and loneliness experienced by children not being able to access mainstream leisure activities.
The charity supports children and young people aged 5-19 to take part in mainstream activities by recruiting and training volunteers to ‘buddy’ 1:1 with them (2:1 when required) so they can join in and have fun. With Me2 Club's help, children can access a wide range of activities including sports clubs, uniformed groups and drama classes, giving them a chance to build independence and vital life and social skills.
Everyone has their own reasons for wanting to donate their time. It could be to give back to the local community, gain valuable experience, learn new skills or the desire to make a difference to a child’s life. Whatever your motivation, you will be part of a friendly team, you will make a difference and have fun at the same time!
The children and teenagers supported by Me2 Club want to attend weekly activity clubs but their additional needs and disabilities make it difficult for them to take part. By supporting these children, volunteers make a huge difference and ensure the children can take part in the activities they love.
What does the role involve?
Me2 Club matches children with a 1-1 volunteer who attends their chosen activity with them each week to offer support. The activity is chosen by the child and their family. Examples of clubs currently supported by Me2 Club include Scouts, swimming, drama and gymnastics. By building a relationship with one of the supported children or teenagers, you can help them overcome barriers to being included.
The role will include:
1. Attending a leisure activity with your matched child once a week, this will be in the same location every week. Most activities only run during term time.
2. Getting to know your child/teenager and building a positive relationship.
3. Working with your allocated Activities and Volunteers Coordinator (AVC) and the activity leader on adaptations which will make the activity more accessible for your matched child. E.g. breaking down instructions or providing visual cues to show them what to do.
4. Helping your matched child to feel part of the group and achieve their personal target. E.g. making new friends.
5. Feeding back to the child’s parent or carer to let them know how the activity went and staying in contact with them throughout your volunteering journey.
6. Keeping in touch with your (AVC) and updating them on any changes or concerns.
7. Completing termly surveys about your volunteering experience to help us measure outcomes.
Volunteer roles are subject to a DBS check and references.
What skills and experience do you need?
* Previous experience of working with children with additional needs is not necessary but would be very welcome.
* Over 16 years of age.
* Enthusiastic, friendly, and willing to get involved.
* Good communication skills.
* Reliable and able to commit to supporting your child once a week for a year.
In return, you will benefit from:
* 1:1 experience with a child with additional needs.
* A way to keep active and support your community.
* A chance to give a local family some much-needed support.
* A full day of training, so no experience is required.
* Reimbursement of travel expenses.
* Priceless real-life experience.
* Recognition for your volunteering hours through the Vinspired Volunteer Awards.
Contact us today to register your interest in this unique opportunity to make a huge impact on children's lives.
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