We are looking for volunteers for our Home & Away Project!
- Ever wanted to do some volunteering, but would prefer to volunteer with a friend, or be paired with another volunteer?
- Do you want a volunteer commitment that is really flexible?
- Do you have an interest in supporting a child who has a learning and/or physical disability, and want to bring them some joy?
Then Home & Away could be the project for you!
Click on the link to be directed to the application form: Application Form
What is Home & Away?
On the Home & Away Project volunteers work in pairs (you can either sign up with a fridn, or we can match you with another volunteer). In your pair you will then be matched to a child aged 5-18 years old, who has a learning and/or physical disability. 
In your pair you will then undertake activities with your child, to help them develop their soft-skills, like confidence, and also give the child the oppertunity to undertake some fun leisure activities that perhaps they don't usually have to chance to do like going to the cinema or out for dinner. We will reimburse the costs of your activities and travel too!
When you spend time with the child, you will be building rapport with that child and giving them a positive role model to spend time with and talk to. Whilst also providing some respite time for the child’s family.
What is the commitment involved?
Volunteers usually visit their child once a week throughout term-time (but not over exam periods or holidays), and the commitment is usually between 3-4 hours a week (including travel time). Visits are organised between the pair of volunteers and the childs family at a time that is suitable for all.
A word from Ndaba (former/current volunteer for Home & Away)
Having volunteered on this project I cannot recommend it enough! SVC kindly did all the legwork and matched me and a friend on the project and then we got started.
Our first session involved making a homemade pizza and watching a film, which for me was a welcome rest from the busy nature of student life.
The project strives to give the childen a choice in the activities they do with you. The young person I was working with suggested trips ranging from Dessert Parlours to Cinema outings and even a Cardiff City home match! SVC pays for the activities and transport so all you have to do is turn up.
The time I spent with the young person i was matched with gave me the chance to learn about them and the trials and tribulations that they encounter on a day-to-day basis. I was also able to understand more about their condition and how to adapt my communication skills.
Home & Away has been an amazing project to volunteer on, so much so that I have carried on for another year! Check out the SVC website to find out more information
