Working with children

[Undirection]

Life didn't quite turn out how I originally expected it to and despite having 3 daughters between Mrs UnD and I, time spent with them in their growing up years was limited/non existent (2 mine, one hers). Mrs UnD always says 'You're brilliant with kids and its a shame you never got to spend time with your own'. It is and it'll be the biggest regret of my life but the clock can't be turned back, that's just the way it worked out for me.

However, I wondered if there was an opportunity to still help/support children now. Unfortunately in these modern times it feels stupidly inappropriate to ask about working/helping/supporting children but I don't care what people think. I'd have been a brilliant Dad and those 'skills' haven't changed. However I'm really not sure if this is possible (I'm sure it is) or how to go about it etc. I read the fostering threads on here but maybe that's not step 1 for me.

Any sensible input greatly appreciated...

[anonymous-user]

Have a look at your local scouts group, experience suggests they’ll be very keen for new adult helpers. Beavers start at 6 1/2, Cubs at 8 1/2 and scouts at 11 ish. I work with Cubs, I think the age range and activities are perfect, it will be a lot of fun whichever age group you help, they all have positives and negatives. the support from Scouts is good and the training is all provided/paid for. It’s not easy right now with COVID, lockdown etc but it’s worth a look. In normal times, it’s 90 minutes one night a week and an hour or two of prep

You can’t stop to think about how it’s perceived by others, 99.9999% are just grateful you’re volunteers giving up your times to help others. Someone said to me “you may be the only positive male role model that child has” which really hit home hard and made me feel quite proud.

https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteer/

Edited by anonymous-user on Sunday 15th November 09:04

[AndyAudi]

Pablo beat me to it but another strong vote for the Scouts.

I’ve been a leader 17 years

I deal with Scout age 10.5 plus which sees them at an age you can really give them responsibility & respect & watch them gain the skills for life they speak about.

It’s probably a difficult time to get involved just now but predicted to be well short on leaders when we return to Normal.

Training is recognised & interchangeable with various”Institue of Leadership Management modules so can help you in your work roles also.

[alorotom]

Depends on the age range you want to work with tbh.

I volunteer with Shelter and the Duke of Edinburghs award (I did the scheme myself and this is somewhat giving back to all I got out of it over the years and they supported my BELA and ML) but are 12-18 normally

You could go down the social care volunteer route (I was interested in this and did my Social Care Level 1 and 2 at evening college to enable this) - it can be harrowing though so be warned (I originally volunteered with the Samaritans and then ChildLine as part of the work-up to the social care side and it can be very unpleasant what you hear/etc.)

[vikingaero]

My friends who are Scouts Leaders have said that the current 'rona problems have decimated the groups - they can't do anything.

I would say Scouts is the way forward. You'll learn a lot of new skills along the way too.

[stablemate]

Unfortunately as you say it's an awful world in which we live, and as an adult man it can be difficult to express an interest in working with, or even interacting with, children without attracting a certain amount of suspicion.

That being said, if you can truly not care what others think then good on you and genuinely hats off to you sir - the world needs more of people like you to prove that the wrong'uns are the exception rather than the rule.

[anonymous-user]

stablemate said:

Unfortunately as you say it's an awful world in which we live, and as an adult man it can be difficult to express an interest in working with, or even interacting with, children without attracting a certain amount of suspicion.

That being said, if you can truly not care what others think then good on you and genuinely hats off to you sir - the world needs more of people like you to prove that the wrong'uns are the exception rather than the rule.

It’s not an awful world at all but I’d wager there’s far more unpleasant activity in the family environment compared to formal organisations. There are some really strict rules about safeguarding and contact and we look out for each other so any false accusations are easily resolved but I’d have no issues calling out unnecessary contact or suspicious behaviour from an adult leader.

[LordHaveMurci]

I’ll add Cadet units to the Scout suggestions, my lads unit is crying out for instructors/adult volunteers for when they (hopefully) return in the New Year.

Without new people stepping up we may lose the unit

[Coneyhurst Blue]

Have you thought about the type of children you want to work with, support/help ?
Once you have that narrowed down the direction to take will become clearer.
Do you want to help with beavers/cubs or scouts for example or would you like to offer help and support to children who may be more challenging ?

[Bill]

Another vote here for the scouts. I only help out due to other commitments but it's incredibly rewarding.

They're also always after school governors.

[anonymous-user]

A good friend of mine, and both his parents, have all been Scout leaders pretty much forever. They don't always find it easy, but have very much enjoyed it for many years.

Seems a very worthwhile thing to do.

[shed driver]

I've been an Army Cadet Force instructor for 9 years or so. It's been a great experience for me and I hope I've been able to do something positive for the 12-18 year olds that I've met.

There's no need for any military experience, but I've learnt some great skills.

SD.