Volunteer Activity Worker - Family Drop In

This is a monthly Family Drop-In session for children & young people with additional needs (of any age) to socialise in a relaxed and supportive environment with their parents/carers. 

Sessions are intended to be an informal safe & welcoming space to drop in, with an organised craft activity each month.

Children & young people participate with their parent/carer (parent/carers remain responsible for their children at all times).

We require volunteers to attend the session as a positive and engaging role model to provide a fun and engaging session that is inclusive for all children & young people attending; allowing them to socialise, make friends and feel empowered to engage and connect with others in their community. 

We also require volunteers to engage positively with parents and carers during these sessions; offering a welcoming presence, listening with empathy, and helping them feel comfortable and supported within the setting.

Duties will include:

• Support autistic/ADHD/neurodivergent children & young people to socialise and connect with each other in a supportive, friendly and safe environment. 
• Support parent/carers who may feel overwhelmed or isolated and often just need someone to listen and provide them with a hot drink and warm welcome.
• Join in with the games or activities during the session.
• Help to set up and pack away the session.

The sessions take place at the Royal British Legion in Newbury. 

Ad hoc events may be days out or other special sessions that could be either themed, run at a different venue, taster sessions, parties or school holiday family activities.

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

When is this role available?

	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Details

Time commitment: 1.5 hours per month. Term-time only. Sessions run on the 2nd Tuesday of the month. 5pm to 6pm 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.

Where does this role take place?