Volunteer Companions

Volunteer Companions are central
to our success!

Steps to becoming a Companion

Please ring the office on 01473 836770 for a chat if you are interested in becoming a Companion:

One of our co-ordinators will contact you

Fill in and return the necessary forms

We will take up two references and run a criminal records check through the Criminal Records Bureau

Meet other Companions and Explorers by coming to a Leisure Club

Help an Explorer to choose and plan his or her leisure or holiday activity

Learning through Leisure funds your expenses

Enjoy the activity or holiday

Feedback to find out the new learning which your Explorer has experienced and your personal thoughts on all aspects of the pairing

Photos Videos Diaries etc

Support for Volunteer Companions

All Companions are offered support from our Co-ordinators at every stage of the pairing. The Co-ordinator will ensure that:

	the Companion is fully aware of the Explorers' needs and levels of independence
	the Companion knows how to best meet these needs
	the Companion understands how to use the forms and claim holiday expenses
	the principles of Learning through Leisure are understood and followed

Learning through Leisure's principles are in line with current Suffolk County Council policies and national Government policies for adults with learning disabilities. Therefore an appreciation and understanding of these offers Companions a sound foundation upon which additional training can be based.

Learning through Leisure maintains close links with Social Services, health and educational providers.

We appreciate that Companions can feel isolated and uncertain about their role. With this is mind, we aim to make sure that each Companion knows that:

	Their Co-ordinator would be happier if any fears or uncertainties were expressed. Companions often have questions which they are uncertain about asking - Please do ask.
	Their Co-ordinator offers support at all stages of the pairing.

We have evolved a variety of opportunities whereby Companions have the chance to meet other Companions through:

	Regular newsletters to give an update of all Optua Leisure activities
	Local Leisure Clubs which provide an opportunity for Explorers and Companions to meet socially, share information and ideas about holidays with the Co-ordinator. Some clubs organise fundraising events on behalf of Learning through Leisure. We currently have clubs in Bury, Stowmarket, Ipswich, Felixstowe, Sudbury, Saxmundham, Woodbridge, Lowestoft and Mildenhall.
	Social events throughout the year