In June, we celebrated Volunteers week 2024. This is a very special time of year for us to show our appreciation to all our volunteers and express gratitude for everything they give to support us. The Kayaks Charity is unique because none of our volunteers are paid for their time, skills, sharing their knowledge or experience that they give to support members. Most of our volunteers have jobs, are parents and carers and have S.E.N.D themselves. Each one of us is an expert through their own experiences and each bring something unique to the charity. The Kayaks Charity simply could not function without our volunteers – they are the heart and soul of the organisation.
This year, we gathered to celebrate Volunteers Week 2024 at The Lakeside Restaurant and enjoyed a lovely meal. It was great to spend time connecting with each other, take some time out to recharge our batteries and have some fun. The Kayaks Charity is a non-profit organisation. All our sessions, running costs and support services are fully funded by charitable donations. This celebration was funded by the Mercers Group as part of our staff wellbeing programme. This funding has supported volunteer wellbeing and helped to improve mental, physical, emotional and social health which is very important.
People volunteer for many reasons. Some of the benefits of volunteering inc; increased self esteem and confidence, meeting new people, making friends, learning new skills, personal or professional development, making a community impact, supporting others and combat loneliness.
If you are looking for a volunteering opportunity, we would love to welcome you to Team Kayaks! If you are aged 18 and above and would like to join us, please get in touch and become one of our dedicated Volunteers supporting the SEND community.
We offer a variety of events, including weekly family activity sessions, programs aimed at teenagers, and sessions for our adult members. Our volunteering opportunities are diverse and can be short or long-term, depending on your availability and interests.
We need practical support like putting equipment out or putting things away after weekly activity sessions, supporting our families as they engage at events or trips during school holidays, supporting volunteers to run sports/fitness/climbing sessions, arts and crafts, music, mindfulness, awards schemes and outdoor sessions.
If you have a passion or skill set in business administration, finance/accounts, working with children, supporting individuals with SEND, arts/crafts, sports/physical exercise, or education law, we would love to hear from you.
We welcome collaborations with local organisations seeking micro volunteering days for their workforce. If you have skills, experience or knowledge that you feel could support us but can’t commit to a long term project or have a couple of days to volunteer from your employer, please get in touch. We have lots of short term projects and could use your expertise!
If you are interested in making a difference and would like to ask about volunteering with us, please get in touch. Your contribution can make a significant impact on the lives of those we support.
Please note that all volunteers must have an up-to-date Enhanced DBS Certificate. If you do not currently have one, we can assist you in applying for one via the Council.