Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Independent Options. 

We are currently seeking volunteers to help with various projects within our Children and Family Centre: 

Creative play
Do you have a creative flair for making things with children? Are you good at art or craft activities? Know any good outdoor games?

We are looking for volunteers who could come in to our pre-school toddler groups, after school clubs or school holiday clubs to do something fun and creative with the children.  

Music
Are you musically talented? We have found that most children respond well and really have fun when there is music in the room. Perhaps you play an instrument, teach or just know how to create music with children? If so, would you be keen to share your knowledge and experience with a group of children?

We are looking for volunteers who could arrange a music activity each week at one of our after school clubs or during the school holidays.

Gardeners
We have a fabulous outdoor garden that is desperate for some regular tender loving care from some keen gardeners. We have a small ‘grow your own’ area where we have been planting and growing herbs, strawberries, tomatoes and sunflowers – which the children love! We know we could be doing so much more with someone who could lead our enthusiasm and help us tend to our beautiful garden.

Could this be you? Could you offer us a few hours a week or a couple of times a month?

Saturdays
We are currently running two art and craft sessions on the second Saturday of each month. The morning session starts at 10am – 11.30am, and the afternoon session is 1.00pm – 2.30pm. ‘Let’s get messy’ gives children an opportunity to paint, play with play doh, do sticking and gluing, make junk models, play with water .... all of the things they rarely get the opportunity to do at home because it makes a mess!

If you like the sound of rolling up your sleeves and helping the children make some magical creations, this could be for you!

Movie Morning! – On the last Saturday of each month we show a favourite movie. The children choose which film they want to see and we then show it, with popcorn and refreshments. There are some other activities for children who need to move around and, of course, there is the garden to play in. This session runs from 10am – 12.00 noon.

Sensory stars Family Session – On the last Saturday of the month during the afternoon, we have Laura Pickering coming to do lots of different  ‘sensory’ activities with families. This session runs from 1.00-2.30pm, and volunteers are needed for a more general role to help with refreshments and to support any families needing help to get round the activities.

For either of the Saturdays, you could come in for the morning session or the afternoon session, or both if you have the time!

General Helper
All of our groups consist of free play and some organised activities for the children and refreshments for everyone who comes along. We like to create a friendly atmosphere and set out the activity room in a way that the children will want to explore and enjoy. 

We are looking for people who may not want to get involved in organising activities, but who would like to offer the parents a hot drink when they arrive, who wouldn’t mind wiping up a spilt drink off the floor, or helping to find the missing jigsaw piece when the children have gone home!  Our children and families love our groups, but they are difficult to run well without this kind of support.

For all groups, you would need to come in 15 - 20 minutes before the group starts and help set out the room with activities and stay at the end of the group for half an hour to tidy away. You would also be asked to help the group with their refreshments which we provide for all of our grown -ups and children.

For more information please contact Nicky Jones on 0161 456 6502 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it