At BLAP volunteers are really valued. They enable us to provide more spaces for more children to attend. We are able to provide more activities and more much needed one to one time with some of our more complex children.
Our current volunteers are amazing and the children look forward to the days they attend.
We have many different activities that volunteers can choose to support with;
Arts & Crafts:
We have an area of the hall set up for arts and crafts with a good range of basic materials. Children love to use the arts and craft table. One day a week the emphasis is on clay work (air dried) Children love to work with clay. The volunteer would help run this area – and bring some new ideas.
Helping with outside area including football, zip wire, trampoline, swings and other outdoor activities:
The majority of the children spend most of their time outside. Some make up their own imaginary games, but most use the various pieces of equipment to have fun together. They love to use the zip wire and trampoline. The climbing frame is used often for “hanging out” and chatting as is the giant Blackbird sculpture. The basketball hoop is used for practising and the multi-weather surface is used mostly for football. In summer the sandpit is well used and sometimes used to create large structures. A member of staff will be on duty outside and would be there to support you and give you all the help you need.
Helping inside the building encouraging and supporting children as they play:
Whilst most children are outside some prefer to stay inside using a variety of games. We also have a variety of books, though these are used less often. It is always good to have an extra adult in this area, to keep an eye out for any children who might feel lonely and need to be encouraged to join in – especially when they first join BLAP.
Pool table, Football table, Ping-Pong, Lego, Jenga bricks (used mainly for building structures), UNO and chess are all available. The pool table is in constant use and some children are getting proficient at Table Tennis. A large connect 4 and the football table are also popular.
Cooking – We are looking for a volunteer who would like to run a cookery group one day a week:
We have an excellent kitchen that is used from 3 – 3:45p.m. to serve food for the children. The kitchen would then be available for a cookery group at 4:00 p.m. There will always be a member of staff ready to help you. We are a friendly bunch.
Gardening – help our children learn more about gardening:
We are developing the back area of BLAP to create more gardening space. We have a group of children who love gardening but need a volunteer to encourage them, probably one or two sessions a week. We have a garden shed with tools used well by the children, but they need to be gently reminded to return the tools to the shed after use! A member of staff would always be able to support you in the work.
New volunteers receive;
- Free DBS check
- Training opportunities
- Work experience
- Travel expenses paid
One of our most recent volunteers is now in employment with us!
Volunteer Application Form :
Application form for volunteers
Please view and read our volunteer handbook using the link below;