Volunteer Activity Worker - Active Games

This is a weekly Active Games session for children with additional needs who are aged 5 to 18 years of age to encourage fun and being physically active together. There are no serious sporting skills required and there are often no winners or losers. Children participate without a parent/carer on a ratio of 1 adult to 8 children.  

Volunteers are required to attend the session as a positive and engaging role model to provide a fun and active session that is inclusive for the children & young people attending; allowing them to socialise, make friends and feel empowered to engage and connect with others.

Volunteers are also required to occasionally engage with parents and carers during sessions that they also attend; offering a welcoming presence and helping them feel comfortable and supported within the setting. (Approximately once per term we run a Family Active Games session where the parents/carers will also attend to join in the fun). 

Duties will include:

• Support autistic/ADHD/neurodivergent children & young people to socialise and connect with each other in a supportive, friendly and safe environment. 
• Join in with the games or activities during the session which can be physically active for this session (but do not require any sporting knowledge or ability).
• To help create & run fun physically active games within the sessions
• Help to set up and pack away the session.

The sessions take place at Sea Cadets Hall London Road Newbury. 

Ad hoc events may be physical games based events that take place in the school holidays or that have a particular focus or theme. Ad hoc sessions may be run at a different venue.

About ASD Family Help

ASD Family help provides advice, information, sign-posting & activities for autistic individuals or those with other neurodivergent conditions; their parents, carers or professionals within Wokingham, West Berkshire & Pembrokeshire.

We aim to improve services and raise awareness and acceptance by:

* Providing free advice and information
* Providing social activities for children, young people and adults who are neurodivergent
* Working across the community to develop services needed
* Representing the views of our members
* Providing training and workshops for parents, carers and professionals

What skills do I need?

Training/Qualifications:

• Safeguarding children & adults training (will be provided if required)
• Prevent Training (provided if required)
• A good standard of English literacy, with the ability to read, understand, and follow written instructions and communicate clearly

Experience:

Experience working with autistic individuals or those with learning difficulties/disabilities

Knowledge/Skills/Personal Attributes:

• Able to use Teams to attend meetings & training
• Understands risk assessments and is able to identify potential risks and the confidence to suggest changes or updates to the Activity Lead
• Knowledge of Health & Safety, particularly in relation to our sessions
• Able to complete accurate and timely reports/records for incidents, first aid or safeguarding
• Knowledge of confidentiality for records 
• Able to collect feedback, evidence, photographs for funding requirements and keep data secure
• Able to manage time, be organised and punctual
• Non-judgemental and approachable, with a positive attitude and a good role model
• Enthusiastic about getting involved and having fun with families attending
• Able to take part in physical activities and help to keep up with the energy of active sessions

When is this role available?

	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Details

Time commitment: 1.5 hours per week. Term-time only. Sessions run Thursdays weekly. 4.45pm - 5.45pm with a requirement to work 15 minutes either side of this. We also run ad hoc events and always appreciate an extra pair of hands if you are available. We will always ask in advance. Ad hoc events may be physical games based events that take place in the school holidays or that have a particular focus or theme. Ad hoc sessions may be run at a different venue.

Where does this role take place?