Paul Harrington explains how volunteering to help children is the highlight of his week.
So we’re into February already. How are the resolutions panning out for everyone? Didn’t make any? Well perhaps it’s not too late to pretend you did.
It was exactly this time last year that I made the decision to fulfil a promise to myself to do a little voluntary work (‘Be the Change You Want to See in the World’ and all that jazz). After trawling through the internet, I stumbled across the charity Fun in Action for Children.
As many of you will know, far from being leafy, affluent and full of the trouble free middle classes, Brighton and Hove is actually a massively polarised city, with some of the worst deprivation in the country right here on our doorstep.
Fun in Action, tries to bridge that gap for hard pressed disadvantaged families, by providing a one-to-one volunteer befriending service for children who need extra support and attention from a caring and reliable adult. It requires only a few hours of the befriender’s time every week but makes a huge difference to the life of the befriended child and to family wellbeing.
My journey to becoming a befriender was relatively trouble free. After a welcoming initial phone call, followed by a drop-in morning, I was completely hooked. Passion, warmth and commitment embraced me from the moment I walked into the small office just north of Preston Park. Thorough, yet friendly and fun, training sessions provided all the information needed and were a great way to meet other volunteers.
Once references and DRB checks were returned, I was matched with a cheeky 5 year old boy called Aadit with whom I now spend my Sunday mornings.
It didn’t take long for our time together to become a highlight of my week and something I really look forward to. Aadit and I do simple things like hanging out in the park, swimming, exploring rock pools and generally muddling along happily. During these outings I’m completely absorbed. I forget about everything else which is a fantastic stress buster. I experience things I’d long taken for granted through the innocent and frequently hilarious eyes of a small boy. Who knew nasal hair could provide such bewilderment, curiosity and delight?
I appreciate this isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but nevertheless there is something quite magical and exquisite about spending quality time with a child. It’s a very special relationship of trust and mutual appreciation and I am delighted I picked up the phone a year ago to make that initial enquiry.
Fun in Action for Children are recruiting volunteers and would love to hear from you. You don’t have to commit straight away and can take your time to decide if this is right for you. But if you are interested in adding a whole new dimension to your life here’s an opportunity that really is too good to miss.
Contact Anne, Sam or Ghislaine for more information on 01273 559794 or to check out the website CLICK HERE:
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