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Why it was needed

It was needed to teach children new skills and a new activity that wasn't football or other common themes found in after school clubs.

The children benefited from the workshops as they learned new skills and developed their concentration.

What's being done

The project was initially put forward by our former president and I said I would do it as I have experience in schools. I got advice from our co-ordinator Alex Stackhouse and he was really helpful. He suggested ideas and was quite talkative.

Alex kept me on my toes as he reminded me to get things done. The hiccups I really had were applying for funding quite late which had a knock on effect with ordering the equipment and handing in CRB forms quite late.

I also sent letters alongside the former president to six schools within the Derby/Derbyshire area and got two responses. One school phoned Alex and the other emailed myself.

How it started

The workshops were a success and the children really enjoyed it.

I have handed certificates out at one school and left them with the professional at the second school. The children really enjoyed the assemblies and showing off.

When they were on, the workshops involved 20 children and 3-4 volunteers. We would have four or five different areas, e.g. poi or bucket stilts, and groups of children would have a go on each one before moving to another part. The volunteers involved were members of CASPS; they all took part by leading the workshops, helping the children, setting up equipment, and organising the children swapping areas.

The time it took for me and the volunteers was only two - three hours a week including travel. Overall the workshops ran for a period of six weeks.

More

The workshops are over now.

My advice is to get everything organised early and to have enough volunteers to help out! A group of 20 children was just bearable for three volunteers but the more the merrier really does help.

Talk to your co-ordinator!