Spectrum is registered charity, run and led by UCL medical student that offers a befriending service to children under 18 with disabilities or special needs in the Camden borough. Two medical students are assigned with a child and undergo fortnightly contact in outings including swimming, going to the park, cinema etc. There are also group trips to the theatre, theme parks and activity weekends away, e.g. Alton Towers. All expenses are reimbursed by Spectrum, including travel expenses, provided receipts are produced.
The minimum commitment expected from the students is to see the child for a minimum of 2 hours every two weeks, after school or at weekends - depending on what is agreeable to the family. Students are not expected to visit their children during holiday and exam times. All students receive training covering the physical and mental care of the children they are likely to meet, including Child Protection Training. During the year all volunteers and children meet to take part in a group residential child trip to Hindleap Warren or High Ashurst, where activiteis such as archery, obstacle courses, high ropes, bushcraft, swimming, zipling among many are carried out. Thus enabling the chidlren to have fun but be challenged encouraging them to be more independant and develop their social skills. Furthermore, through working with children, the students are able to develop invaluable skills in communication and understanding, and develop their skills working with children.