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SCHOOLS, COLLEGES & OTHER ORGANISATIONS
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Night owls - voluntary waking night staff Activenture are holidays for young people 8-18 years with special needs. These holidays are held at Woodrow High House, near Amersham, Bucks, and also at Hindleap Warren Activity Centre, Wych Cross, East Sussex. Young people with special needs (“guests”) have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities, ranging from canoeing to kareokeing, under the watchful eye of the Activenture Manager/Course Director and their marvellous team of volunteers. Each guest has a helper and each group of guests and helpers have a team leader for any problems etc. that may be encountered.
As you can imagine, with all the activities going on during the day, it is not only the guests that want a good night's sleep, but also the team of volunteers - and that is where you Night Owls come in! The Night Owl’s duty starts at about 9.30pm, but if you want to meet all the people involved, come in earlier and share supper. Once all the guests are in bed the long night begins. It’s a good idea to bring a torch, soft shoes to wear and also something warm to wear as the temperature does drop during the night. Do bring something to do, like reading, knitting etc., it does help to pass the time. You will be provided with sandwiches and fruit and there’s plenty of tea or coffee to keep you awake. The resident nurse will meet you and tell you about anyone might need your help during night-time hours. You can wake the Nurse / Course Director if anything unexpected occurs, so you can be sure that you will always have someone on hand if you are not sure. Check that all the guests are asleep and well every hour. As well as obviously seeing to their needs if they call out, mainly it’s ‘toilet runs’ (sorry about the pun) for the wheelchair bound, or a drink of water and a chat because they cannot sleep.
You know the duty is nearly over when all the bunny rabbits come out to play on the grass outside - nature is slowly waking up - not long to go - yawn! The duty ends at 7.30am, when you have woken up the Activenture Manager/Course Director, the Nurse and Team Leaders. These night duties are vital to allow 24-hour care to be given at Activenture. They are an experience in more ways than one – definitely rewarding yet a very special duty that will remain with you for a long time. Experience of special needs is not essential. What you do need is common sense, a love for children, a caring attitude, and to be over 18 years of age. For further information contact Les Pond on Tel 01342 828218 Email: les@hindleap.com Please note: References will need to be taken up prior to you being engaged as a volunteer along with a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check. You will be required to be aged 18 years plus. Return to the VOLUNTEERING page |
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