What better way of staying youthful than to work with young people as a volunteer? Samantha Laurie looks at some inspiring local opportunities
GASP
When the good people of four Surrey villages found themselves plagued by three teenagers joyriding and torching stolen cars, their reaction was untypical, to say the least. Instead of creating a racket about better policing and tougher sentencing, they set up a project whereby the bored youngsters could learn to take apart the cars to which they were so attracted.
GASP (Gomshall, Albury, Shere and Peaslake) Motor Project was conceived in 2005. Today, it’s a fully-fledged alternative learning provider with courses in motor mechanics and practical engineering, running daytime, after-school and evening sessions from mobile units and its workshop in Albury, near Guildford. It works with 32 secondary schools, training hundreds of teenagers disengaged from traditional schooling and in danger of dropping out of formal education.
Practical instruction aside, GASP students also learn the soft skills necessary to help them find work.
“We use mechanics as a tool to teach them communication, teamwork and self-confidence,” explains Chief Executive, Henry Curwen.
And it’s working too. Strong links to a Woking transport business and to engineering companies facilitate work placements, with one student selected by Rolls Royce for a fully sponsored engineering degree at Warwick University. Students regularly take part in electric kit car competitions, as well as learning to repair car, motorbike and quad bike engines and to understand MOT tests.
High staff to student ratios (1:3) mean that GASP is always seeking volunteers to support the trainers, especially for evening sessions, and for visiting engineers to give one-off talks and workshops. If you have a background in engineering or mechanics, and can spare a few hours, email Henry at henry.curwen@gaspmotorproject.org
Beanstalk
For children about to leave primary school, reading fluency is critical to accessing the secondary curriculum. Beanstalk – a national charity providing one-to-one support for those who have fallen behind with their reading or who lack confidence – has recently launched an intensive 12-week intervention to help 10- and 11-year-olds before transition.
Consisting largely of over 50s in North Surrey and SW London, the reading transition volunteers work with four children two hours per day for four days a week. All receive a one-day training programme to learn more about literacy skills, with optional further training in dyslexia support. Volunteers can also help with a twice-a-week reading support programme throughout the school year or a nursery school volunteer scheme.
Me too & Co
Can you help with cookery classes, arts and crafts or drama workshops? If so, you’ll be warmly welcomed at the twice weekly sessions this charity runs for children with disabilities and their families at the Crossway Centre on Richmond Road.
Home-start
Simon Ridgway / www.simonridgway
The first five years have the biggest impact on a child’s future and this excellent charity supports families with under-fives who are struggling through isolation, postnatal depression, physical health problems and other issues. Volunteers visit families in their homes for a couple of hours a week.
My Time for Young Carers
This Epsom-based charity, which runs fun activities and outings for 7-15 year olds who care for a parent or relative with an illness or disability, is looking for drivers and helpers at its clubs in Dorking, Fetcham, Stoneleigh and Ewell.
River Thames Boat Project
Based in Kingston, the charity needs river educators to lead small groups of primary school children on voyages aboard its Dutch barge.
Horse Rangers Association
The distinctive green uniforms of this Hampton Court riding association are a frequent sight in Bushy Park. Volunteers are needed to help youngsters learn to ride and care for horses.
Positive Pete (Positive Enlightenment Through Education)
Volunteer mentors are required to help support and mentor 11-18 year olds in a number of local schools.
The Scout Association
James Hage
Scouting has never been more popular, but with a waiting list of over 50,000, it desperately needs more adult volunteers. The new recruitment strategy is to create more flexible roles, enabling volunteers to support leaders and help in administrative and trustee positions.
- Find out about these opportunities and many more at Richmond CVS (Council for Voluntary Service) via richmondcvs.org.uk or book a one-to-one appointment on 020 8843 7940
You can check out another one of our great local Child's Play pieces by clicking here
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