MOLLY, 17, URGES MORE VOLUNTEERS
A TEENAGER has made a plea for more volunteers to come forward to ensure a monthly activity club for young disabled people continues to remain open.
Since January this year Molly Tomkinson, who is studying for a BTEC in Health and Social Care along with A Level History, has been volunteering for Caudwell Children, the Staffordshire based charity that provides practical and emotional support to disabled children and their families.
Molly, aged 17, from Werrington, has provided support at the charity’s monthly activity club held at Bradnop Village Hall.
The activity club gives participants, aged eight to 18, with a disability or special need, the chance to enjoy a range of exciting activities focusing on ‘the world around us’ and they include a variety of crafts, games and exercises.
But with more volunteers needed to ensure the continued success of the club she’s urging individuals to step forward and volunteer their services.
Molly said: “The clubs are vital in helping disabled children to get out of the house and make new friends. I help children to do all sorts of things, like decorate biscuits, play parachutes, and games like shark attack, which is a bit like tig.
“These activities help children to develop their skills, confidence and self-esteem so it’s incredibly important that the charity continues to deliver the clubs.”
Molly, who wants to study paramedic science at university, says that volunteers also get a great deal out of giving their time to the charity.
She added: “I want a career as a paramedic and volunteering has helped me to develop my communication skills.
“It’s also given me more experience and knowledge of people with disabilities, and I think it’s helped me to better understand society.”
Molly says building relationships with the children who attend the activity club has also been extremely rewarding.
She said: “One 13-year-old girl has a few communication difficulties but I’ve really enjoyed building a friendship with her, it’s been a real highlight and we’ve developed a real bond.”
Molly found out about Caudwell Children through her college course and says despite her initial reservations about volunteering she would recommend it to anyone.
She concluded: “At first it was a bit like stepping into the unknown but I soon made new friends and I’m now developing skills that will help me in my future medical career.
“I’d say to people just get involved, I guarantee that they won’t regret it and it’s such a pleasure knowing that you are having such a positive impact on the children and young people who attend.”
To find out more about volunteering for Caudwell Children call Becky Deri, Short Breaks manager at Caudwell Children, on 01782 433613 or email becky.deri@ caudwellchildren.com.