TR14ers Dance Project
TR14ers are a dance charity working with 8 - 25 year olds. They have various volunteer opportunities from help with their performances including costumes, make-up to ongoing opps. They are based in Camborne. Check out www.TR14ers.org for more info and email Sally (communityaction@fxu.org.uk) if you are interested.
Young People Cornwall
Various youth work opportunities are availalbe including the Truro Saturday Club Project which runs on a Saturday morning at Truro School, or occasionally Truro Library. This project is in need of volunteers to help out on a Saturday morning; the volunteer would be in Truro at 8.50am on a Sat morning, and would help out on the buses that go to pick up the children, and the volunteer would then help supervise the children who would be taking part in activities at the Truro School. Activities include swimming and other sports as well as sometimes music, dance and craft. This is an ideal opportunity for volunteers to be involved in a worthwhile project, and training is available; expenses etc are paid for the time spent in helping.
If you are interested to hear more about any of the opportunities Young People Cornwall have, please contact: 01872 222447 or e-mail rachm@ypc.org.uk
The Dracaena Centre in Falmouth
Rainbows/Brownies/Guides/ Scouts/Cubs/Beavers
If you are interested in working with these groups in Penryn or Falmouth, just let me know! A weekly commitment is required.
Volunteer residentials with CHICKS - children's camp charity
CHICKS is a charity that offers free, 6-day residential respite breaks for disadvantaged children from around the UK who would not otherwise have a holiday this year. We provide a unique experience of care, understanding and support with outdoor activities, games, team building and crafts. Our centres take a maximum of 8 boys and 8 girls at a time, within an 8-11 or 12-15 age range.
Volunteers come from all walks of life from all over the country and are of all ages over 18. Without the support of volunteers, both on our camps and in other roles, it would not be possible to provide these children with such valuable breaks.
What does a CHICKS Volunteer actually do?
Volunteer on Camp: The volunteer‟s role is to join in with whatever fun and games that the week may bring. To get wet, stay awake, sing, dance, laugh, play games, ride bikes, climb, swim and lots more. Also, volunteers must be sensible, responsible and aware so that they can listen, support, encourage and mediate.
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To spot and avert trouble or danger
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To give encouragement to a child who has low self-esteem
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To listen to a child who may be scared or homesick
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To calm a child who has reached escape velocity in speed and volume!
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To understand that generally, the child‟s behaviour is a direct result of the environment that they‟ve come from. That‟s why they‟re here!
OK don‟t panic! You won‟t be alone! There will normally be at least 5 other volunteers and 3 qualified staff helping and supporting your efforts. Volunteers will never be asked to work 1:1 with a child. In addition, volunteers don‟t need to worry about the activities being too strenuous or challenging. Nothing is compulsory. We want everyone to have a positive experience but please remember, our holidays are designed with the children in mind.
Where do the camps take place?
Holidays run from March until November at our two stunning centres in the Westcountry. Coastal Retreat in Cornwall ( Par ), and Moorland Retreat in Devon ( Brentor ). Both are set within their own large grounds and are fully equipped with a huge variety of activities and play equipment.
We have our own cooks who provide excellent home-cooked evening meals, and cleaners who try to keep things tidy!
Requirements for volunteering on a camp:
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You must be over 18 years old
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You must be able to volunteer for 6 days and stay with us residentially
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You must have a complete CRB check and two references. ( We will apply for your CRB check and references once we have received your application )
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You must enjoy working with children and have the stamina, enthusiasm and empathy to work with those coming from disadvantaged backgrounds.
HOW TO APPLY To apply to volunteer at CHICKS or for more information about volunteering opportunities, view our website at www.chicks.org.uk
Or contact us at our address: Moorland Retreat, Bonnaford Brentor, Tavistock Devon, PL19 0LX
T: 01822 811020
F: 01822 811021
E: info@chicks.org.uk
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Schools Projects and Placements
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Many of you each year, ask us to help arrange a placement in a local primary or secondary school. There are many friendly local schools who would welcome student volunteers, especially those who can commit to a day each week. Volunteering in a school is essential if you are planning or considering doing a PGCE in the future. It is also great experience working with people and working for a large public institution.
Here are some tips for finding yourself a placement:
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In our experience, schools like it best when students contact them directly 'themselves'.
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It is best to telephone them rather than to email.
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If you are phoning a secondary school it's best to ask for "the person responsible for volunteers and/ or in charge of work experience".
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If you are phoning a primary school, it's usually best to speak to the headteacher
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You can find a list of all primary schools and contact details on this link http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=2067
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You can find a list of all secondary schools and contact details on this link http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=7001
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Once you have spoken to a school and you are ready to give it a go, contact Sally at FXU Community Action! She will send a form out to the school, ensuring that they have various important volunteering policies in place and agreeing who is insuring you etc.
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You may need a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check. This should be done through the school, but if they refuse, FXU Community Action can help.
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You can claim any travel expenses to and from your placement (unless it is a one minute uneccessary drive) from Sally at the FXU.
Any questions, contact Sally on communityaction@fxu.org.uk or call 01326253631 (Mondays and thursdays) or 01326253665 (tuesday and wednesdays), or POP in to either FXU office.
Good Luck!
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