Activenture

Les Pond from Activenture came to speak to us last term and galvanised so much support for the project, which provides stimulating, week-long adventures for young people aged 8-18 with multiple disabilities and special needs, that we set up a training day here at JAGS. On Saturday 28 February, 46 girls, Year 10-13, spent the day learning to use specialist equipment, such as hoists and wheelchairs, and to think about the practical needs and expectations of their ‘guests’. Each disabled and special needs child (guest) is accompanied by a companion/helper. The girls’ duties will involve helping residential registered nurses with all general day to day care during the residential week.

The philosophy is that good youth work works: it helps to turn young people into great adults. Helpers enjoy getting involved in the exciting, imaginative indoor and outdoor programmes at the two centres in Sussex and the Chilterns; it is, as this helper says, ‘An amazing experience, which has changed my outlook on the outside world’. More details can be found on the website: www.activenture.org

Being selected to take part as a helper will make an extraordinary difference to the guests, their parents and to the helpers themselves, pushing the boundaries of experience and providing opportunities to mix with other young helpers. Activenture is just one of the many organisations with whom we are in partnership; currently 200 pupils engage in regular Community Action.

JAGS girls getting to grips with wheelchair-handling.

15 JAGS girls have been selected to work at Hindleap Warren/Woodrow High for residential week-long projects with Activenture in August and October 2009. Freddie talked about her experience with relish. Having total responsibility for the guest she looked after was exhausting, especially because of unpredictable behaviour but there was a strong sense of reward and satisfaction. Getting to know the other helpers from London and South East was also great fun. She means to return.