Family Volunteer Club

Introducing our brand new project!

At The Link Visiting Scheme, we believe that kindness has no age limit.

We’re delighted to launch our Family Volunteer Club giving the children and grandchildren of fully recruited Link volunteers the opportunity to experience volunteering in a safe, welcoming and meaningful way.

We know that kindness can start young. Through practical, enjoyable activities, children & young people under 18yrs can build confidence, learn new skills, meet people of different generations and discover the positive difference they can make in their community.

Activities could include helping at Christmas and summer celebrations, making crafts and gifts for Link Friends, supporting special events at our Community Café, and taking part in our Link to Nature project.

"What a wonderful time the kids and I had - they said they loved it... I can promise you that if there are other opportunities for my lot to help out, they will jump at it." Read more >

Helping to grow the next generation of volunteers

Trying volunteering from a young age can help children develop confidence, communication and teamwork skills. It can also introduce them to new people and experiences and help them feel connected to their community.

At The Link, family volunteering offers something especially valuable: the opportunity for younger and older generations to spend time together. We want children to see that older people have experiences, stories, humour and friendship to share, while discovering the difference that their own kindness and contribution can make.

We hope that a positive first experience will encourage our young helpers to continue volunteering and contributing to their communities throughout their lives.

11-year-old Anya joins her mum Soniya's weekly visits to Margaret, a Link Friend in her nineties. Anya has formed a close bond with Margaret through their shared love of stories, history and laughter. Read more >

Our first Family Volunteer Club opportunities

• Link to Nature autumn bulb planting

  Saturday 26 September, 10.30am to approximately 1pm
  The Salvation Army Hall, Wokingham

  Family volunteers will help prepare for a bulb planting activity for Link Friends. Tasks may include setting out tables and chairs, covering tables with newspaper, preparing pots, compost and bulbs, helping with refreshments and tidying up.

• Christmas craft session

  Saturday 17 October, 10am to 12 noon
  The Link Visiting Scheme offices

  Children and their accompanying volunteers will decorate angel tree decorations to be given to Link Friends over the festive period. Children may bring a friend if the accompanying Link volunteer is happy to supervise them

• The Link Christmas Party

  Saturday 21 November, 1.30pm to 4pm
  Loddon Hall, Twyford

  Family volunteers can be part of our annual celebration for 130 Link Friends and volunteers. Suitable roles may include helping to prepare the hall, welcoming and talking with Link Friends, serving refreshments and helping to clear away
  
  

• Community Café Christmas Special

  Thursday 17 December, 10am to 1pm
  All Saints Church, Wokingham

  This special festive event will include carols, a brass band, festive refreshments and an opportunity to remember those we might miss at Christmas. Families may be able to help with setting up, serving suitable refreshments, reading a poem and clearing away.
  
  

Who can take part?

The Family Volunteer Club is available to children and grandchildren attending with a fully recruited Link volunteer. Children must remain with and be supervised by their accompanying volunteer throughout the activity. Roles will be agreed according to the child’s age, abilities and the nature of the event.

Advance booking is required so all our young volunteers have the best experience.

To find out more or to book your place , please email karan.pollard@linkvisiting.org, telling us which session you are interested in and the name and age of each child who would like to attend.