The Dorset Children’s Foundation (The DCF) is a small independent charity that support local disabled children and they find themselves in desperate need of volunteers.
The charity has expanded their services so much these last few years as there is a huge call for their support in the area. They provide a full programme of accessible and inclusive activities for hundreds of local disabled children. Including fortnightly football training and dance sessions, monthly skate park hire and soft play get togethers, theatre shows and daily activities throughout school holidays. As well as providing grants and funding therapies.
Not only that these events bring families together and parents and siblings make friends with those in a similar situation and get to support each other.
The DCF really need a bank of volunteers that can lend a hand at these events, to support the children, make teas and coffees and generally be a friendly face for the families. They also need volunteers in their 3 charity shops.
Patsy Hallmey Co-Founder of the charity said: “We recognise that there is a big gap in provision of inclusive sporting events and activities for disabled children and we strive to fill that gap. The DCF would like disabled kids to have the same opportunities as abled bodied ones do. Without the income from the shops we can’t provide all that we do and we really depend on volunteers to keep the shops open. Whether people can help in a shop or at an event for us it’s really good fun and such a friendly team. People that do help us love it and find it very rewarding.”
If you know anyone that could spare a little time, you might have a teenager that could use the work experience or a granny who would like to get out more? It doesn’t have to be every week, but the charity need people they can call upon for various occasions
Please contact rhian@thedcf.org for more information. All volunteers must be DBS checked but this can be arranged.