Volunteering within the World of Autism

The beginning of this month launched Volunteers Week running from 1st June to 7th June. I am volunteering in all sorts of ways at the moment. I am presently volunteering with the National Autistic Society within the local branch in Derby. I help run support groups, update the branch Facebook page and monitor phone calls which come into the branch.

I love to help other families and be there for any support or information they may need. I can remember way back in 2004 what it was like to be a parent with a son receiving his diagnosis and it was a scary, bewildering time. I don't feel I do an awful lot but sometimes just offering a cuppa, a biscuit, time and to listen to people, that's all that is needed. Oh and sometimes a box of tissues and a shoulder to cry on but that's ok, I can offer that if needed. 

I am also a Parent Champion for the Family Information Service in Derby where we offer a wide range of information, advice and guidance on:

• Funded childcare places for 2, 3 and 4 year olds
• Services for families across the city
• Help in finding specific childcare places where a child may have additional needs
• Fun things to do and holiday activities locally
• Parenting and family support
• Working with Children

We, as parent Champions are all parents just like you and we understand the challenges you may face. We are around in the community, at local events and childcare sessions. I tend to combine my role within support with Autism by helping families access the SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service) in Derby.

I am also a Parent Governor at a local SEN school too so the possibilities of volunteering are endless and very rewarding. It keeps me very busy and I build so much experience in speaking to different people and having a voice within the world of Autism and disabilities in general. There is nothing quite like talking to another parent who is or has been through a similar situation to our own. That's why I think our support groups are vital to the well being of families facing a future with Autism that they are not quite sure of. I think we are able to offer reassurance and empathy and a platform to just let some stress out, to say yes it's not fair, yes sometimes I dislike Autism but eventually gaining some information that gives some relief and hope that a situation may improve or take away that tension even for a little while.

If you are interested in volunteering go to 
www.do-it.org
where you will find many ways to volunteer on your local area.

If you are interested in becoming a Parent Champion in Derby get in touch with the Family Information Service on 01332640758 or email FIS@derby.gov.uk

The NAS Derby and District Branch would welcome more committee members so if you are interested please email them at derbyanddistrict@nas.org.uk

The Parent to Parent Service of the National Autistic Society is a great service which is offered for help and advice and you can find information about this at:
www.autism.org.uk/services/community/family-support/parent-to-parent.aspx

To all volunteers everywhere and in all services have a great week and carry on your good work into the future. there are a lot of organisations that cannot do what they do without people like you so feel proud, you are doing a good job.

Thank you for reading, I will be back for some telly talk tomorrow with Pass the Remote. 

Take care for now.........