Out of School Club - Central Bath

Who we are:

The National Autistic Society is here to transform lives, change attitudes and create a society that works for autistic people.

We transform lives by providing support, information and practical advice for the 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK, as well as their three million family members and carers. Since 1962, autistic people have turned to us at key moments or challenging times in their lives, be it getting a diagnosis, going to school or finding work.

We change attitudes by improving public understanding of autism and the difficulties many autistic people face. We also work closely with businesses, local authorities and government to help them provide more autism-friendly spaces, deliver better services and improve laws.

Why we need you

Our out of school club supports children and young people with Asperger syndrome and high-functioning autism between the ages of eight and 18. The club offer children and young people the opportunity to join a structured youth group which meets their needs and provides a safe environment

What you will be doing

• Help set up the session
• Support young people in play, social and communication activities
• Participate with children and young people as their ‘buddies’ where they can have someone to chat to and try activities with.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with the children and young people their parents / carers
• Being part of a team with other staff and volunteers

An informal interview will take place at your first session. This is an opportunity for your club leader to get to know you and for you to share or ask any other questions you might have.

Skills, experience and qualities needed

• Sense of fun and humour
• Empathy with the children and young people who attend the club
• A calm approach and a patient attitude – young people with autism may have difficulty communicating, socialising and thinking of others’ needs.
• Ability to volunteer as part of a team
• A knowledge of autism would be ideal, but we offer autism-specific training

When and where

• On Tuesday evenings in Central Bath
• We have two groups one is from 6.30 to 8pm and one is from 8pm to 9.30pm
• We would like you to volunteer for a minimum of 6 months as this provide consistency and stability to those who attend the group.

Support

• You will receive an induction including safeguarding and autism awareness training and will also have access to our e-learning modules
• You will have a support from a Project Leader at the group, however you need to be able to volunteer independently as we cannot provide one to one support
• Agreed local travel expenses will be reimbursed and refreshments are available at the group

What you could get out of it?

• Experience of volunteering with children and young people on the autism spectrum
• A worthwhile opportunity to add to your CV
• Making a difference to the people at the club

Whilst we are able to make reasonable adjustments for volunteers you will need to be able to volunteer independently as we are not able to offer one to one support.

We seek applications from anyone interested in the role, but particularly welcome applications from those on the autism spectrum

If you have any questions about this role or the application process please contact volunteers@nas.org.uk