Client Wellness
There are many opportunities to volunteer to help in the social wellness of our beneficiaries.
Handicraft Making
This involves physically disabled beneficiaries from the Sheltered Workshop making different kinds of handicraft items such as magnets, bookmarks, candles and cardholders for sale, so that they are able to increase their skills, thereby improving their employability. Sale of the handicraft items at community events and bazaars help to showcase SPD and the many talents of our physically disabled beneficiaries.
How you can help
This programme requires a group of five to 10 volunteers who can commit their time on a regular basis for a minimum of three months. Those who are able to come on a one-time basis are also welcomed.
The programme requires volunteers once or twice a week on weekdays, each session lasting two to three hours.
Criteria
There is no pre-requisite for volunteers participating in this programme as a handicraft-work training and hands-on session will be provided by our training officers. Patience and interest in handicraft work helps in enhancing the volunteering experience.
Sharing and Reading Programmes
The Reading Programme involves reading newspapers and storybooks to our beneficiaries at the Day Activity Centre (DAC), whilst the Sharing Programme involves the sharing and imparting of basic self-help skills and knowledge such as cooking or painting.
How you can help
Beneficiaries’ listening skills are improved while they gain a better understanding of the happenings around the world. The Sharing Programme is a platform for the beneficiaries to explore their interests.
Commitment
This is a regular programme that could be run daily. Volunteers are required to help at least once a month, each session lasting two to three hours on weekdays. No more than three volunteers are required for each session.
Those who are only able to commit on a one-time basis are also welcomed. However, the beneficiaries would gain from the relationship forged with those who can come on a regular basis.
Criteria
Volunteers should be proficient at the language used during the reading sessions. The training officers will provide guidance and advice should volunteers encounter problems during the course of their voluntary work.
Befriending Programme
Volunteers become befrienders in this programme that involves regular visits to people with physical disabilities who are lonely and home-bound. Volunteers would find themselves building friendships and providing a listening ear to problems and grievances, even helping with household chores and grocery-shopping. Where possible, befrienders may also bring the beneficiary out for a walk in the neighbourhood.
How you can help
This activity of mutual benefit provides the beneficiary with a friend, as well as gives the volunteer the opportunity to interact with a person with physical disability and to learn about his/her special needs and potential.
Commitment
Befrienders should be ready to commit on a regular basis for at least six months. Volunteers can sign up on an individual or group basis.
Volunteers would be matched to a beneficiary based on special requests as to age group, location, race, and gender. Volunteers can arrange for a mutually suitable time for visit with the beneficiary.
Criteria
Prior befriending experience would be a big help. However, first-time befrienders would also find this activity richly rewarding. Befrienders are required to work closely with the Social Worker in gathering and reporting relevant feedback.