PALS Activity Companion

We are looking for friendly, energetic and enthusiastic people willing to give their time to ensure young people with a physical disability have the same opportunities as everyone else.

Volunteers who work with us are not there to provide 'care' but rather to become friends and companions, to support and encourage the children and young people in our after school clubs and youth groups.

Our volunteers make a commitment to come along and help at activities whenever they are able to. Some of our volunteers are only able to help in the holidays with our holiday clubs when they are home from university, others come along every week, fortnight etc.

Our volunteers are very important, as without their time and commitment we could not run our sessions.

Volunteers working with PALS have as much fun as the children and young people they are helping and have the chance to experience some new things too!

There is currently a particular need for more volunteers to help with our afterschool club on a Friday, 3.45pm to 5.15pm, in Thatcham.

PALS operates from various locations in West Berkshire.

About PALS (West Berkshire)

The charity supports 35 local children and young people with physical disabilities, as they develop friendships and improve social skills by enabling them to take part in the same pastimes as others of their age.

We run three regular sessions for our members.

The Fun Factory is for children aged 5-11 year olds and we meet fortnightly. We do lots of things including drama, craft, cooking, sports and games, messy play and visits to local places.

The PALS' Youth Club (PYC) is for 11-18 year olds and we meet fortnightly as well. Again we enjoy similar activities as we do at Fun Factory, but more age appropriate, as well as just time to sit and catch up with friends.

In the holidays we also run sessions, often to local facilities in West Berks, such as Bucklebury Farm Park, The Discovery Centre, Beale Park, Andrew Simpson sailing club and many other places to try out lots of different things.

For our members over the age of 8, we offer an overnight experience.

Lastly we have our young adults group, who meet monthly and enjoy things like archery, bowling, going out for meals and to the pub, and movie nights.

What skills do I need?

Ideal for fun, lively, imaginative people who love sports, games and being with young people.

When is this role available?

	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Details

Timings are 3.45pm to 5.15pm, and 5.30pm to 7.15pm every other Friday in Thatcham

Where does this role take place?