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Volunteer Helper Newman Holiday Trust
- Newman Holiday Trust
- VO96203
- One-off volunteering
- Befriending / Mentoring, Residential Volunteering
- Children, Learning Disabilities, Physical Disability, Residents of Disadvantaged Neighbourhoods, Sensory Impairment, Volunteering, Young People
- Opportunity start date: 15th July 2023
- Opportunity end date: 23rd July 2023
Description
The Trust provides free holidays with one-to-one care for over 140 children aged 4-16 every summer in various locations around the United Kingdom. The holidays are provided at no cost to the children’s families.
Due to the high level of skilled care they require or financial circumstances, the children selected for these breaks would not otherwise receive a holiday. The holidays provide a range of fun activities in a safe and supported environment and use a care ratio of one helper to one child at all times. Each holiday includes at least one fully qualified nurse whose sole task is to take care of the children’s medical needs.
The Trust is an entirely voluntary organisation and owes its success to over 200 people who dedicate their free time to helping these children. This voluntary structure ensures that every penny raised goes directly towards a child’s holiday.
Being a volunteer helper on a Newman Trust holiday is a wonderfully rewarding experience. You will enable deserving children to have a holiday of a lifetime and contribute to a unique experience for all involved. The holidays are FUN, FULFILLING and strangely ADDICTIVE!
That said, the holidays are tiring and sometimes emotionally demanding. Real commitment is required before the holiday and on the week.
All new helpers are required to attend a recruitment session to meet a representative from the holiday so we can complete background checks. On the holiday itself it can be tough work looking after someone with additional needs and you'll need to put every effort into helping your child and working within the group. However, there's a lot of support, it’s great fun, and incredibly rewarding.
No prior training is needed - just a strong will to help others, lots of energy, and a sense of humour. There is also a very supportive and friendly environment with the more experienced helpers actively helping those newer to the role.
Organisation aims and objectives
Established in 1981, the Trust began by running a one week summer holiday for children with special needs. The Trust now provides holidays for over 120 children with disabilities and special needs aged 4-16 each year, in various locations around the United Kingdom. Due to the high level of skilled care they require or financial circumstances, the children selected for these breaks would not otherwise receive a holiday. The holidays provide a range of fun activities in a safe and supported environment and use a care ratio of one helper to one child at all times. The Trust is an entirely voluntary organisation and owes its success to over 200 people who dedicate their free time to helping these children. This voluntary structure ensures that every penny raised goes directly towards a child’s holiday.
Availability
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Frequency and commitment details
One-off, single week
Restrictions
Experience required: No prior training is needed - just a strong will to help others, lots of energy, and a sense of humour.
Travel details: Travel to and from Strathallan School in Perth is the responsibility of the volunteer. However, car shares/ lifts and lifts to and from the station will be available.
Minimum age: 18
Support
Expenses details: All expenses including accommodation and food are covered by the Trust. However, travel expenses are paid by the volunteer to get to and from the venue and any evening drinks/ snacks are paid by the volunteer.
