1:1 Volunteering FAQ
Registering to become a volunteer
How old do I need to be to volunteer?
You need to be 16 or over to volunteer with us. There’s no upper age limit – we welcome volunteers of all ages and backgrounds!
Do I need to live in Wokingham or Reading to volunteer?
Most of our volunteers live in Reading or Wokingham, as that’s where the children we support are based. We do occasionally have volunteers from outside these areas, but it’s important to think about how you would travel to and from your weekly volunteering sessions. You’d need to make sure you can get there reliably and on time each week.
How often do I need to volunteer and how far will I need to travel?
You’ll volunteer once a week at the same activity, on the same day each week, alongside the child you’re matched with. Activities vary in length -the shortest is around 30 minutes (like swimming), while the longest (such as Scouts or Guides) can last up to 2 hours.
We aim to match you with an activity that’s local to your home or school and accessible by public transport. We’ll chat with you about your travel options and how far you’re willing to go during your interview.
What kind of additional needs do the children have?
Me2 Club supports children with a wide range of additional needs, including Autism, ADHD, learning difficulties, Down syndrome, communication difficulties, and anxiety.
We provide training to help you understand some of the most common needs and how to support them effectively. You’ll also receive ongoing guidance, and we’ll work closely with you to make sure you feel confident in how best to support the child you’re matched with.
What kind of activities might I need to help at?
You’ll be supporting a child at a mainstream weekday after-school activity that they’d like to attend. Our most popular activities include swimming and uniformed groups like Scouts, Guides, Cubs, and Brownies. We also support at a range of other activities such as football, martial arts, and drama clubs.
Will it cost me anything?
No, volunteering with us won’t cost you anything. We’ll reimburse any agreed expenses, such as travel costs, so you’re never out of pocket.
Do I need to complete a DBS check?
Yes, all volunteers need to complete an enhanced DBS check. We’ll guide you through the process once you’ve signed up for our Volunteer Induction Training. It’s completely free and won’t cost you anything.
If you have an enhanced DBS check and are already registered for the Update Service we may be able to use that.
Training and onboarding
Who can I use as a referee on my application?
It could be an employer, school teacher, or another individual who knows you well, such as a neighbour or family friend. They should have known you for at least two years.
We can not take references from family members or friends.
Do I need to attend training before I can start?
Yes, all volunteers are required to attend out Volunteer Induction Training before they start volunteering with us, regardless of any prior experience. We run these throughout the year.
What does the training session look like?
Volunteer Induction Training is 8 hours and run either over a day or two evenings. It covers key topics to help prepare you for your role, including; safeguarding, supporting behaviour, communication, health and safety, and inclusion. The session is a mix of staff-led presentations, group activities, and videos.
When will the next training session be?
Upcoming training sessions will be advertised on Events section of our website. We run training sessions around 6 times a year.
If you have already applied to volunteer you will be notified via email when there is an upcoming training.
Volunteers
What support will I have from Me2 Club while I'm volunteering?
While you’re volunteering, you’ll be assigned an Activities and Volunteers Coordinator (AVC) who will accompany you to your first session to help you settle in. They’ll regularly check in with you and visit once per term to see how you’re getting on. If you ever need support, you can contact them directly.
Can I meet with my matched child outside their activity?
Our volunteers are trained to support children during activity sessions and under the guidance of an activity leader. For the safety and wellbeing of everyone, we ask that you do not meet with the child outside of the agreed-upon activity sessions.
What further opportunities are there for volunteers?
There are several ways to get more involved with Me2 Club beyond one-to-one volunteering. We welcome volunteers to help at our three annual family parties, and we also recruit Volunteer Ambassadors to promote volunteering in the community. You can also become one of our Fundraising Friends or support young people by volunteering at our Participation Groups.
Will I need to help my child with personal care (e.g. toileting)?
During your interview, we will talk about whether you’re comfortable providing support with personal care. If a child requires assistance, such as with toileting, the activity leader will take the lead, and the volunteer will offer support as needed.
For swimming activities, it is the responsibility of the parent or carer to change the child before and after the session.
Volunteers are not permitted to administer medication to the child they are supporting.
Do Me2 Club offer work experience?
Unfortunately we do not offer any work experience roles.
