Children Achieving Through Student Support is an extremely worthwhile, challenging, yet rewarding, flagship project. CATSS provides a time of respite for 23 local children, aged 7-11, from hard to reach backgrounds. Through fortnightly training, you’ll provide the awesome experiences these children deserve, helping them to develop social skills and give them the time, space and fun every child needs! As well as gaining a range of certified training, as a volunteer, you’ll get the chance to lead a range of exciting activities. On our action packed three daytrips and weeklong residential, there will be activities such as wheelchair basketball, crafts, a trip to the farm and a day at the beach just to name a few!
You will be part of one great team of dedicated students, who become great friends, aiming to give these children an amazing week! CATSS is a life-changing project for all involved, children and volunteers alike.
When?
2 day trips and weekly training in Epiphany term. A residential week in Easter and final day trip after exams.
Flexible?
No
Where?
Around the Durham area.
Travel/Directions
Transport for the day and residential trip will be provided by SCA.
DBS Required?
Yes
If you’re interested please look at the information pack found below, and contact catss.sca@durham.ac.uk.
Take a look below:
CATSS Project Leaders Information 2017-18
CATSS Leadership Team Application Form 2017-18
Established in 2014, Children Achieving Through Student Support Secondary aims to build on the successes of one of SCA’s flagship projects CATSS Primary. CATSS Secondary works with a group of young people aged 11-13 years who are from hard to reach backgrounds. CATSS volunteers give young people the chance to challenge themselves/ try new things, such as rock climbing or swimming and the project is packed full of activities, laughter and fun! We want to provide a team of positive adult role models and are looking for hard working, enthusiastic and willing volunteers. There is no specific need for prior experience and full training is provided. The project will run over two fun-filled day trips and an action packed week away in the local Durham area over Easter; aiming to provide a safe and encouraging environment for young people to develop their confidence as well as offering an opportunity for respite.
When?
2 day trips and weekly training in Epiphany term. A residential week in Easter and final day trip after exams.
Flexible?
No
Where?
Around the Durham area.
Travel/Directions
Transport for the day and residential trip will be provided by SCA.
DBS Required?
Yes.
If you are interested, please look at the information pack found below and contact catsssecondary.sca@durham.ac.uk.
Check out the following documents below:
Based in Durham city, this project works with children aged 0-5. Volunteers support regular staff with activities including games and general care of the young children, with all activities supervised by trained staff. Perfect for those interest in education or early years care, this project offers both enjoyment and valuable experience. Volunteers would be required for an hour or two each week or on a regular basis.
When?
A few hours per week.
Flexible?
(Information to be updated)
Where?
Crossgate Centre
Transport/Directions
Crossgate centre is easily accessible by foot, or if you need other transport to access the venue then SCA can reimburse the costs.
DBS Required?
Yes.
Contact creche.sca@durham.ac.uk
Good with kids? Enjoy learning about other cultures? Want to influence the future of an expanding project? Then the homework club at Keenan House could be for you! We help primary school children- many of whom are not native speakers of English- with their schoolwork, as well as supervising a variety of recreational activities. This flexible volunteering opportunity allows you to have fun; develop transferable skills; and meet new people, while providing support that is greatly appreciated by the children and their families. In fact, all that’s missing from our project… is you!
When?
Thursday evenings during term time 5pm-7pm.
Flexible commitment?
Yes.
Where?
Keenan House.
Transport/Directions
Keenan House is a short, free bus ride from Durham.
DBS Required?
Yes.
Contact keenan.sca@durham.ac.uk
The Thurston Drama and Art Project runs evening performing arts activities for children aged 8-15, giving them the opportunity to engage in drama when they may not get the chance to do so elsewhere. We’re looking for one main thing in our volunteers: enthusiasm! No past theatrical experience is required, but the skills you’ll develop with the project include leadership, confidence and problem-solving – along with many others!
When? Friday evenings, 5:30-8:30pm.
Flexible?
Yes
Where?
Bowburn Community Centre.
Transport/Directions
Volunteers travel together from the bus stop outside the Palatine Centre to catch the X12 bus.
DBS Required?
Yes.
Contact thurston.sca@durham.ac.uk
The holiday camps are a great opportunity for a project leader to organise activities and volunteers for a range of children over the school holidays. The camps will feature a range of activities including craft activities and games. This project is ideal for anyone looking for extra experience working with children in a fun and lively environment.
This is one of the projects run by Team Durham Community – follow THIS LINK to find out more about our other volunteer opportunities!
Contact Tom at teamdurham.holidaycamps@durham.ac.uk
Children’s parties is a new project that works closely with the Integrating Children charity to organise a series of themed parties for children with disabilities. In the past we have done Harry Potter themed events and worked with University societies to create a fun, relaxed and enjoyable environment. Children’s parties are looking for volunteers who are interested in working with children, especially if you have fun ideas for parties and themes!
When?
A few times a term.
Flexible commitment?
Yes.
Where?
Durham City Centre locations.
Transport/Directions
Locations will be accessible either by foot or bus, any necessary transport costs can be reimbursed by SCA.
DBS Required?
Yes.
Contact parties.sca@durham.ac.uk
The RDA project runs a weekly trip to Washington Riding Centre, a local specialist centre which provides therapeutic lessons for disabled riders. Our job is to support both the disabled riders and the riding centre, therefore our activities include feeding, grooming, tacking up, as well as leading the horses in lessons. The RDA project is perfect for horse-lovers who want to escape the Durham bubble for a few hours each week and don’t mind getting a bit mucky!
When?
Saturdays or Sundays, 12-4pm.
Flexible?
Yes
Where?
Washington Riding Centre.
Transport/Directions
Transport provided by SCA.
DBS Required?
No.
Contact rda.sca@durham.ac.uk
GOALs (Go Out And Live) is an initiative which runs weekly informal sessions involving activities and trips for adults with learning difficulties, from the local area. These trips widen opportunities available to them and aim to improve the social skills and self-confidence of our service users. Volunteers normally spend the evening chatting and socialising with the service users in a range of different social settings and past sessions have included subsidized meals at restaurants, pub trips, ice skating, firework displays, movie and game nights. Weekly commitment is not essential, but regular participation would be lovely and any new ideas are always welcome!
When?
Tuesday evenings from 7-9pm.
Flexible?
Yes, but it is better for the service users if there is consistent attendance.
Where?
Various locations in Durham City Centre.
Transport/Directions
All venues are within walking distance of Durham City Centre. If you require transport for accessibility reasons SCA can reimburse this.
DBS Required?
No.
Contact goals.sca@dur.ac.uk
This project provides the opportunity for both volunteers and participants to engage with each other in a fun, relaxed and safe environment! No experience is needed as the charity will provide a range of training. Activities are mainly based in Durham City Centre, with some in accessible surrounding areas.