EVS Volunteer project in England

Diverse Abilities Plus is an independent charity in Dorset which since 1955 has provided support and education services for children and adults across the county with physical and learning difficulties. We are the only local charity that endeavours to be a ‘lifetime partner’ providing support from childhood to adulthood and empowering all the people we support to lead happy, secure, independent lives.
We believe in the unique dignity of each person and their right whenever possible to make their own choices about their life and work situation and the activities in which they engage. Our purpose is to provide, adapt and develop our services to meet what our community needs to support people with either/both physical disability and learning difficulties.
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Diverse Abilities Plus offers a range of services to the people we support:
Children’s services:
• A dedicated specialist day school for children between the ages of 2-19 with profound disabilities, with high level teaching and nursing support
• A short-stay residential home providing short breaks for up to 4 children or young people with complex physical and/or learning difficulties, often with associated health issues
• A domiciliary service for children and young people offering flexible support with individual tailored programmes.
• A comprehensive holiday, after school and weekend activity programme for children and young people with disabilities between the ages of 8 – 18
• Support and signposting, school holiday activities, a Youth Club and a Parent Befriending Service for families with a child or children with disabilities
Adult services:
• A day service for adults with disabilities providing opportunities for socialising and trying new skills and experiences.
• Individual supported living with dedicated 24/7 support for adults in homes fully equipped to address individual requirements
Advice:
• An advocacy and advisory service, helping people with disabilities with benefit claims, advocacy and power of attorney.
In 2015 we will be 60 years old and we are planning a programme of events through the year to raise awareness of disability and what we do and to fundraise. The volunteer will have many tasks including:
- helping co-ordinate a series of awareness raising events across the county
- assisting the organisation and holding of fundraising events
- attending networking events and meetings with staff
- assist in the promotion of the charity, using new and innovative methods
- assist with the launch of a new programme to engage schools in the area with the charity

We hope to offer EVS volunteers the chance to use and develop any existing skills and offer the opportunity to develop new ones such as project planning and management, budgeting, risk assessments, administration, communication skills, and disability awareness.

If you are a volunteer and have a sending organisation we would like to hear from you!!! Please complete the attached application form and email it to us by the deadline of 19.09.14