Over the Wall, the children’s charity based in Liddlington, Wiltshire that provides free residential camps for children with serious illness, has developed new ‘Daytime Volunteer’ opportunities in a bid to encourage more local people to help by volunteering.
The charity – originally founded by the Hollywood legend, Paul Newman – is this year celebrating 20 years since the actor launched the organisation. The adventure activity centre, Liddlington PGL, has been the venue for the camps for many years, and this year, a record number of children are expected to attend, therefore more volunteers are needed.
Ordinarily, volunteers are required to stay onsite for the duration of camp. However, this year, in a bid to attract more local people from Wiltshire to volunteer, the charity has introduced a new daytime role. This has been created specifically to appeal to local people who are unable to commit to volunteering in the evenings.
Zoe Grant, Director of Volunteering explains, “This new daytime role is perfect for any local volunteers who have previously been unable to commit to staying at camp overnight. Now they have the opportunity to experience the wonder of camp, but can go home at the end of the day! As well as having an impact on children’s lives, this opportunity will allow people from Wiltshire to meet new people and join a warm and fun-loving community – whilst gaining valuable experience and developing new skills.”
Over The Wall’s camps aim to enable children with health challenges to reach beyond the perceived limitations of their illness and rediscover a whole new world of possibilities, helping to build their confidence, self-esteem and social skills, and – above all – have fun!
The camps take place in June and November, and will focus on the families and siblings of children living with serious conditions, acknowledging the impact that their illnesses can have on family life.
If you are interested in volunteering opportunities with Over The Wall or have a child with serious illness you would like to attend camp, or would just like to find out more, go to www.otw.org.uk or call 02392 477 110.