Why it was needed

The Durham University Volunteers for Adults with Learning Disabilities Project was set up as a pilot scheme in conjuntion with Durham County Council, the Durham and Chester-le-street Daycentres and Student Community Action (Durham University).

What's being done

After completing training which results in the LDIA (Learning Disabilities Initial Award), student volunteers are matched with service users and particular hobbies, interests or skills that both they and the service users share. Students volunteer for as many hours a week as they can spare. This may mean they go shopping with staff and service users, go to hydrotherapy, go on trips to museums or galleries, go the the cinema or theatre, play sport (including working towards the Special Olympics) or even just down to the pub for an evening. Pretty much what ever they want!

The DUVALD Project aims to help to the Durham and Chester-le-Street Daycentres in their aim to support their service users out in the community doing what they want to do. By committing a few hours a week the students can help the daycentre complete its mission and acheive more for all concerned in helping the service users lead an active life in the community.

How it started

The project began with a meeting at the County Hall and negotiating training for the LDIA before the students could get to volunteering on a regular basis.

We are currently mid-way through our training with LaCat and getting out enhanced CRB checks completed. After the Easter holidays we hope to be out and about volunteering on a regular basis.

More

For any more information on the project contact:
Felicity or Jess (JessC) xxx