Making a difference for kids

Making a difference for kids

15 April 2015

BARNARDO’S Northern Ireland has been making a difference to children’s play time in Downpatrick and Saintfield for over 10 years.

The charity runs regular Play for All Saturday Clubs for children with learning difficulties, sensory impairments and medical conditions, between the ages of five and 12.

The group, which works with the South Eastern Childcare Partnership, creates a range of activities for the children, who bring along siblings, cousins or friends for the day.

Club Leader Kim Rogan said the aim of the Saturday Club was to give children with a mix of abilities the opportunity to have fun for two hours every other Saturday.

“We work hard to make sure there is something everyone will enjoy and the clubs always follow a routine of free play and crafting, followed by a snack, then baking and then some games,” said Kim.

“Over the year we also organise a number of outings which the children really love and we also recently had a music therapist in. What is so special about the Saturday Club is its mix of abilities and the fact that the children all get on so well together. It also gives the parents a break for two hours which can be invaluable if you are caring for a child with a condition or illness.”

Kim, who is from Downpatrick, has been the leader for five years and juggles it with being a special needs nursery assistant during the week. Helping Kim are six volunteers, most of whom are aged between 16 and 19. The volunteers all complete Barnardo’s safeguarding training and other training courses are also offered. 

The only male volunteer is 18 year-old James Morrison from Killyleagh, who has been volunteering with the club for a year. 

He joined when he was required to do a placement for a Health and Social Care AS-level  course but enjoyed it so much he stayed on. He said it was important for the boys to have a male role model.

“Some of the boys here just want to play with the cars and tanks or some of them really like the farm animals,” he said. “They like it that there’s someone older who’s happy to play and I like it because I get to be a bit of a child again. It’s really good fun, the kids are great and you get to build up a rapport with them.”

Eighteen year-old Cora McLaughlin, from Downpatrick, has been volunteering for two years. She used to go to the Saturday club as a child and says that helps her relate to the children.

“I know what a good time I had and I want to give these children the same experience,” she said. “I really enjoy getting to know the children and spending time with them doing arts and crafts. If I go on to Further Education next year I will keep volunteering here – I only ever miss if I am ill.”

Nineteen year-old Laura McCormick, from Downpatrick, is at art college and decided to volunteer to gain some experience of working with children.

“We have different activities every week and at the start of the year a programme is set out so the children know what each theme is and they can choose what they want to take part in,” she said. “They also really like the toys because we might have different toys to what they have at home.”

Parents and carers of the children who attend the Saturday Clubs are enthusiastic in their praise, according to Barnardo’s Play for All Manager, Siobhan Stratton.

“Parents and carers tell us time and again how much their children look forward to coming,” said Siobhan.

“For many it is the only activity outside school they do and the only other opportunity to play with other children. Many parents and carers say they have seen their child’s confidence grow while they can relax with peace of mind knowing their child is happy and well looked after in a safe environment.”

To discuss joining the club contact Siobhan Stratton on 028 9065 8105, or email siobhan.stratton@barnardos.org.uk. 

The Saintfield Club is based at Academy Primary School and runs the first and third Saturday of every month from 11am to 1pm. The Downpatrick Club is based at the Presbyterian Church on Fountain Street and runs the second and fourth Saturday of every month 2pm – 4pm.

Siobhan can also be contacted for information on volunteering with Barnardo’s Play for All Saturday Clubs. They particularly welcome interest from more mature volunteers and men as they are currently under-represented in the volunteer team.

For more information about Barnardo’s Northern Ireland visit www.barnardos.org.uk/northernireland,  check out its Facebook page or follow them on Twitter @BarnardosNI.