Activity Leader FAQs
What does Me2 Club do?
Me2 Club is a charity that provides 1:1 volunteers for children with additional needs who will meet them at the activity to give tailored support to help them feel more included. The same volunteer will be with the same child each week.
We believe every child with additional needs and disabilities deserve the right to access the same activities as their peers, however many of these children face barriers when attending these clubs. With a bit of extra support from a volunteer, we believe these children can thrive.
How does the volunteer help at my activity?
The volunteer will help the child they have been assigned to with anything they may need extra support with, such as:
- Understanding instructions
- Regulating emotions/behaviour
- Staying focused
- Help transitioning between activities (e.g. getting in and out of the pool, preparing to leave once the club has finished)
- Support doing the activity itself
- And more
The volunteer may ask to make reasonable adjustments so that the child can be included in all activities, these may also include a sensory/movement breaks.
Each child and volunteer match with have an allocated Me2 Club Activities and Volunteer Coordinator (AVC) if there are any concerns or questions. You will have their contact details before the volunteer is placed into the activity.
The volunteer is not included with the activity leader staff ratio and will not be able to support any child other than the child they are matched with.
The main person responsible for the child during the activity will always be the Activity Leader.
What are the benefits of having a volunteer?
Having a volunteer is beneficial if the child has needs that the staff may not be able to sufficiently support while running the rest of the group. A 1:1 volunteer will help that child to feel more confident, independent, and included at the session and will provide focused support so staff can feel confident their needs are being met.
What days are your volunteers available?
Our volunteers can help at weekday activities starting after 4pm. Parents/carers must already have a place at the activity (or be on the waiting list for it) before they can apply for a volunteer. We will work around the activity schedule chosen by the parent/carer, there is no particular day or time where we are more likely to find a volunteer faster.
Please note we cannot support at weekend, one-off, or holiday clubs.
There is a child at our club that I think needs Me2 Club's support, how do I refer them?
What checks are done on Me2 Club volunteers?
All our volunteers are at least 16 years of age and will have completed an enhanced DBS check prior to being matched with a child.
They have attended 8 hours of training prior to being matched with their young person. This includes training on Inclusion, safeguarding, behaviour support and communication. They are interviewed and have references taken.
What is Me2 Club's safeguarding policy for volunteers?
Volunteers can not be left on their own with a child following Me2 Club safeguarding policy. If the child requires support attending to personal care such as toileting, the activity leader takes the lead and the volunteer supports. The volunteer must always be within eyesight of one of the leaders.
The volunteer will not be able to administer medication of any kind to the child they are supporting.
How can I make my activity more inclusive for SEND children?
Get in touch with our team and we may be able to provide advice or inclusion training for your staff.
I have an issue with a volunteer at my activity, who do I speak to?
If you have any issues with a Me2 Club volunteer at your activity please contact us at info@me2club.org.uk.
