|
Ref: tn_5105 Date: 17th June 2005 |
|
Play For Today - Wiend Centre Calls For Volunteers Volunteering has never been easier.In fact, at The Wiend Centre in Wigan, it's child's play! And now the hugely successful children's centre on Millgate is looking for the right people to join the top-flight team as volunteers in the rewarding world of play.It could be the chance to be involved in what has to be one of the best places to work anywhere! As well as gaining valuable experience to further career options. The centre provides a wide-range of services and information for children, young people and their families. It houses a purpose-built play centre known as The Playroom, as well as the children's library with its books, videos, story tapes, computers, Playstation 2 and more. Wiend Children's Centre Manager Andrew Pickup said: "Volunteers are valuable members of our team and as such can expect to gain experiences of working with children and young people in a variety of play experiences. They will also be given the opportunity to work as part of a team alongside experienced staff, training opportunities and be encouraged to develop new skills such as planning activities, arts and craft ideas, games and teamwork. "Volunteers will be paid any out of pocket expenses and will each have a named key worker who will support them while they are with us." The work will suit people who are keen and enthusiastic and who want practical experiences of working with children. Volunteers also need to be reliable, honest, responsible, punctual and willing to get involved and be part of a team. A sense of fun and an appreciation of children's needs and their rights is also a necessity. The Playroom caters for children from 0 to 11, while the Children's Library service provides for children aged up to 17.One person who can vouch for the benefits of working at The Wiend is Phil Blackwell.Ten years ago Phil took up the challenge of getting involved and he's never looked back.Phil said: "I'd always wanted to work with children and I was pointed in the direction of The Wiend Centre by the Council for Volunteer Services so went along to see what it had to offer. "It seemed just right for me so I signed up as a volunteer worker. At that time I was balancing studying with working and the volunteering as well. But it was well worth it because it was a great to gain the experience I needed while learning the essential skills at the same time."Shortly afterwards Phil was offered a place to study at Bradford University but decided to defer this to stay with the play section. He joined the team at the Norley Hall Adventure Playground and now holds the full-time post of Play Development Officer. Phil said: "I've been able to use the skills and qualifications I have gained through volunteering to get the job I wanted in the field I have always wanted to work in. "I don't know whether going to university would have helped me to do this but volunteering certainly did." He added: "My advice to anyone who would like to work with children to think about volunteering at The Wiend. I think it's the best job in the world and with the right attitude and enough determination volunteering can get you as far as you want to go!"
-ends- Notes to Editors For more information contact Andrew Pickup on the above number or WLCT Marketing Communications Officer Gillian Cailey on 01942 704812. |
|
Trust Home Page | About Us | Leisure | Culture | Tourism | Sport | Arts | Libraries | Contact Us |