Overview
The Derby Children and Young people’s group helps children and young people with varying degrees of sight loss and associated additional needs to gain confidence, self-esteem, independence and reduce isolation. The group is aimed at children aged from 8-18 years old but does cater for younger children and the wider family. The group meet every two weeks in the evening. The group participate in a variety of activities in around the Derby area including, climbing, bowling, trips out, arts and crafts and baking.
What you will do: The aim of our group is to give the children and young people the opportunity to make friends, share opportunities, develop social/life skills and gain confidence. There are several roles which the volunteer will support.
- Support with tasks such as taking registers, providing refreshments and tasks such as guiding.
- Support staff to help organise, plan and deliver a variety of activities and trips out.
- Ensure the children are happy and safe and that they feel supported whilst at the youth group.
Times Expected: Every 2 weeks in the evenings usually around the hours of 5:45pm-7:15pm, and occasional activities during the holidays as well.
Skills you will need to have: Good communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills, patience and enthusiasm for seeing children and young people reach their full potential. Some knowledge/experience of working with children and young people either in a parental or caring role is advantageous but not essential.
Training and Support: All new volunteers will receive training about sight loss awareness and about volunteering with Sight Support Derbyshire. A member of Sight Support Derbyshire staff will take overall responsibility for the group, training will be provided to support you in this task. A member of staff will give you support throughout your training and will meet with you on a regular basis to discuss your personal progress.
Expenses: We will reimburse your out of pocket expenses in line with our expenses policy.
Before you start: You will need to provide us with the names of two people who can give us a character reference for you. There will also be a DBS check for this role, which would require you to provide the relevant ID
Our office locations and times
Derby: 2A Wentworth House, Vernon Gate, Derby, DE1 1UR.
Our opening hours are Monday – Thursday 8.30am to 4.30pm.
Chesterfield: 1B St Margaret’s Drive, Chesterfield S40 4SY
Our opening hours are Monday – Thursday 8am to 4pm.
Contact:
If you would like to discuss this volunteer opportunity then please contact us on enquiries@sightsupportderbyshire.org.uk or ring 01332292262.
Volunteering with this project is an excellent opportunity to help enhance the quality of life for children & young people with a visual impairment in Derbyshire.