Caritas St Joseph's is a centre supports individuals with intellectual disabilities to help them engage fully in their communities and in church life.
With around 200 students of all faiths and none at our centre in Hendon, we celebrate the gifts and talents of people with intellectual disabilities and value their place in the world. We strive to create an environment where students can find friendship, family and love.
Students at St Joseph’s can choose from a range of life-enhancing courses, including yoga, arts and crafts, cookery, and music and movement. Each of the participants at St Joseph’s Activities Centre is a valuable person in God’s world. Our aim is that they might find their unique place in the community.
As a volunteer you will be assisting the tutor and Learning Support Assistant.
Classes are also held at two hubs known as Connect@ centres, these are in Hounslow and Feltham.
As a volunteer you will be in a privileged position to observe, listen and thereby understand our students – so they can participate themselves and grow in their own ability and confidence. There will be a tutor and an LSA (learning support assistant). Your role is to be an extra pair of eyes and hands for the session – and you may be assigned to a particular group of students.
What we ask of you:
1) Listen to the tutor and LSA
2) Follow tutor and LSA guidance
3) Help setting up and cleaning up
4) Help the students
5) Help making tea at break time
6) Remember that you are there to help, not to do the same work as the students.
Time commitment
Preparation and teamwork with the Tutor and other Volunteers is key. The session starts 30 minutes before the students arrive to set up the classroom, and for the Tutor to outline the session. The 30 minutes after the students leave is used to report back, share observations and thoughts for future sessions, as well as clearing up.