VOLUNTEER COLUMN: A ‘FAB’ way to help a child

Angmering boy Samuel Pallant, four, enjoys some fun and games with his carer Sue Smith

The Fun and Breaks service for Chichester and Arun is looking for inspirational volunteers to provide families and disabled children with short breaks .

Those who apply will be matched with a child and will spend two hours a week or four hours a fortnight with the youngster.

Activities can range from walks in the park or along the beach, to indoor games, baking or watching a movie.

Training is offered to all volunteers who apply, with support and advice given throughout.

For more information on this and other volunteering opportunities in the area, contact Derek Moore, Arun Volunteer Centre co-ordinator, telephone 01903 731223, email [email protected] or call in at the centre on the ground floor, Bradbury Centre, 1-5 St Martin’s Lane, Littlehampton, from 9am-4pm on Mondays and Thursdays and 9.30am-4.30pm on Wednesdays.

The Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) – formally known as the Women’s Royal Volunteer Service – has a number of vacancies open for a new band of volunteers.

The service offers a range of practical support services so elderly people can get the most out of life.

Activities include the Meals on Wheels food service, transportation services, and helping in community centres, hospitals and cafés.

Roles available include:

n Customer support volunteer – duties include visiting vulnerable people in their own homes and finding out about how the RVS can support them.

This could include chatting to people in their homes and listening to their concerns. Customer support volunteers would identify activities and support services that are required.

n Good neighbours volunteer – applicants would help elderly people with day-to-day activities, such as shopping, providing transport, social visits, information, or even simple practical tasks in the home.

n Advocates are needed by the Impact Advocacy Service, which provides independent, issue-based advocacy throughout West Sussex for adults with a learning disability, physical and/or sensory impairment.

Advocates help people with disabilities to understand their rights, make informed choices and have their views and wishes communicated to others. Training starts next month.