Disability Volunteering

Disability Volunteering

Young disabled people will be supported by mentors to develop their potential, to become volunteers themselves in their local community of interest. Whilst on the project they will receive accredited training and they will develop skills required for volunteering then they will volunteer with their peers to enhance their quality of life, build their self esteem and achieve their potential to find a role in society and ”be all they can be”. This project ensures social integration and improves employability for some of Cumbria’s most marginalised young people.

CYA is part of the County Council led SEND working group 'Preparing for Adulthood' and we have established a network of specialist disability groups with whom we work in partnership, including Carlisle Mencap, West House, Realising Our Potential, Cumbria Autism Academy, All About Autism, South Workington Youth Partnership, Mayfield Special School and many others.

How we support organisations with this project

The project officer and other CYA staff will work with disability groups to establish referral routes for young people into volunteering, mentoring, training. All groups worked with undergo a governance health check to establish that they have all relevant policies and procedures in place, eg safeguarding, risk assessment, health and safety, DBS checks etc before being accepted onto the programme.

CYA Project Officer will register candidates with ASDAN awarding body, maintaining a database and claiming certificates when training has been completed. Certificates are presented to young people during our AGMs, where they can be part of a celebration event for them and their supporting organisation.

To find out more or make a referral please contact juan@cya.org.uk