SSAFA Forces Help (the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association) is looking for volunteers to help out on their holidays for children with special needs and disabilities. In order to make the holidays as successful as ever 60 volunteers are required.

There were 39 children in total on the 2005 adventure holidays, 23 from the Army, 10 from the Navy and 6 from the RAF. SSAFA Forces Help ran the holidays with the support of 60 volunteers which include breaks for children with special needs and separate time away for their brothers and sisters.

Heidi Dudley, Special Needs and Disability Adviser, who has organised the holidays for 4 years said:

“These holidays are an opportunity of a lifetime for children with special needs because they allow them to explore their independence away from their parents, often for the first time. It is amazing, as a volunteer, to watch children take new steps and test their own limits. The holidays allow parents time to relax too, which is also important for the well being of the family.”

Ewan Richardson’s family is from the Navy, he is 9 and has attended two SSAFA Forces Help holidays. Ewan is very adventurous and has a go at all of the activities on offer. This year Ewan came prepared for the day trip to Woolacoombe Bay beach by bringing his wet suit, he is a real water babe and it was hard to get him out of the sea.

We are currently looking for families to make applications for children with special needs and their siblings. We are also seeking about 60 people to join us as volunteer coaches. If you would like to apply no previous experience is necessary, although it would be an advantage. You must be over 18 years of age, have a good sense of humour, loads of stamina, a reasonable level of fitness and a total commitment and dedication to children. The volunteer application process includes Criminal Records Bureau checks, an interview process and training.

The holidays are sponsored by The Guild of St Helena, Towergate Wilsons Insurance and the Army Central Fund.

Special Needs Holidays in the UK

Calvert Trust Kielder, Northumberland Calvert Trust Exmoor Devon
Date 22 July – 28 July Date 6 August – 11 August
Application closing date is 21 April

Siblings Holiday - for brothers and sisters of disabled children
Fairthorne Manor Southampton
28 May – 3 June
Application closing date is 24 February

Special Needs Holiday in Western Europe
These holidays are for children from families based in Western Europe
Valkenburg, Holland
23 July to 29 July 2006
Application closing dates - for volunteers 3 April - for children 12 May

Children must be the dependants of serving personnel, have a significant disability or special need and be between the age of 8 and 14 at the time of the holiday. Places for children are restricted however there is a reserve list for additional applicants. The reserve list covers the positions of children who may be unable to attend due to illness or operation commitments.

UK Contact Details
To apply for a child place or to join as a volunteer coach or discuss the holidays further, please contact Heidi Dudley, Special Needs and Disability Advisor on 020 7463 9234 or email heidi.d@ssafa.org.uk. Further details about the holidays can also be found through www.ssafa.org.uk. Please note Heidi is on annual leave during the festive season and will not be able to respond to enquiries until 16 January 2006.

Western Europe Contact Details
To discuss the holiday for families of children based in Western Europe please contact the Volunteer Projects Office on 02161 472 3392 or email bfgvpo@bfgnet.de

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