Volunteers| Volunteers |
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Our volunteers come from all walks of life, are at least 16 years old*, and are willing to give up one week of their time in the summer to work with children with special needs/disabilities. No prior training is needed - just a strong will to help others, lots of energy and a sense of humour. Accepted volunteers receive training as part of a group and each carer is paired with a specific child to match their capabilities. There is also a very supportive and friendly environment with the more experienced helpers actively helping those newer to the role. Being a volunteer helper on a Newman Trust holiday is a wonderfully rewarding experience. You will enable deserving children to have a holiday of a lifetime and contribute to a unique experience for all involved. Although tiring and sometimes emotionally demanding, the holidays are FUN, FULFILLING and strangely ADDICTIVE! The vast majority of helpers are eager to return year after year and many help the Trust in other important ways such as fundraising. If you are interested or would like more information, get in touch via our Contact Us page – we’d love to hear from you. You may wish to read through the answers to these questions first... Questions about volunteering…What will I do as a helper?Most helpers are given a child to look after for the week. The level of care required will depend on each helper’s experience. Care can include help with washing, dressing, feeding etc, but most of all ensuring they have a great week. The holidays are jam packed with activities (see below) so this isn’t hard. I don’t have any experience looking after children with disabilities - does it matter? No, in fact the vast majority of first time helpers have no experience at all. To ensure that everyone is comfortable and able to help, the Trust provides a comprehensive training session on each holiday before the children arrive. What’s more, the holiday organisers and the more experienced helpers are always willing and available to help. What are the dates of the holidays and where are they based? All the holidays are a week long and take place during July and August. There are currently six holidays in five different locations. See our Holidays page for full details of the locations and dates of this summer’s holidays. The holidays start with a day’s worth of time to get to know everyone, settle in and receive training. What is the cost of volunteering? The trustdoes not charge volunteers for accommodation, food, activities etc butdoes ask for a £30 'donation/deposit' towards the cost of t-shirts andother expenses. This can be refunded after the holiday. Helpers willhave to pay for their own drinks in the evening and any pre/postholiday pub meals or takeaways. How is the accommodation organised? Each venue is different. On most holidays you are likely to share a room with your child and another helper with their child. Some holidays may require you to bring your own bedding or sleeping bag. The Holiday Organisers will let you know what to bring nearer the week. How will I get to the holiday venue? Helpers will have to make their own way to and from the venue, although it may be possible to get a lift with other volunteers (especially to/from the train station). The holiday organisers will send out directions and the location of the nearest mainline train station nearer the week. How old do you have to be to volunteer? To be a full volunteer, helpers must be 18 years old or over. Those aged 16-17 can help on a Newman Trust holiday but they cannot take sole responsibility of a child. They will, however, assist with the children’s care and with the holiday generally. I am currently doing the Gold Duke of Edinburgh award - will volunteering count as part of the residential section? As all the holidays are nearly a full week, volunteering will count towards this part of your award. Please note that a genuine desire to help on a holiday will be necessary to gain a place. I’ve read that the Trust is based on Christian principles of caring and respect - do I have to be religious to help? No. The Trust has volunteers (and children) from many different religions, races, and nationalities. What does the helper application process involve? You will be asked to fill in a form which includes two referees to support your application. You will also need to be checked by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) regarding any convictions or cautions you might have, so that you are deemed suitable for working with children. This may sound ominous, but is in most cases just one extra form for you to fill in. Someone from the holiday for which you are applying will meet up with new helpers before the holiday. Questions about the holidays…What children do you take on the holiday?The Trust provides holidays each summer for over 120 children with disabilities aged 5-16 from a wide range of social and cultural backgrounds. Children are usually recommended for a holiday either by Social Services or Special Schools, although, we will consider applications from any source. We receive a high volume of applicants with either physical or learning disabilities through questionnaires, discussions and home visits. We try to select those who will benefit most. Our selection is based on a) the child’s individual needs, b) the Trust’s ability to provide a suitable carer, and c) the parents or guardian’s circumstances. Where are the children selected from? There are currently six holidays in five locations (see above). North to South the holidays takes children from Perthshire (Scotland), Newcastle & Middlesbrough, Manchester, Birmingham, Berkshire/Oxfordshire, and London. What activities do children do on the holidays? Activities may include theme park and cinema trips, creative workshops, swimming, horse riding, bouncy castles, organised visits from the fire brigade and Armed Forces, magic and talent shows, discos and many more. The holidays also allow for quieter, more relaxed moments. Children might choose board games, arts and crafts, or qualified physiotherapy and each day ends calmly with a gathering, in which everyone can reflect on the day’s activities. Get involved – we look forward to holidaying with you! |