What is the Out of Hours Service?
The Out of Hours service started in 2006 and aims to increase leisure and social opportunities for our members, who are all adults with disabilities.
Twice a month we run Out of Hours Clubs on a Thursday evening. These run between 7-9pm and cost £4.00 per night. Activities for the Out of Hours Club are chosen in advance by members: for example we have had an ice cream sundae night, a BBQ, gardening, a music quiz, karaoke and a games challenge to name a few.
As well as the clubs we also run social activities in and around the city throughout the month. These activities are also requested by the Out of Hours member’s council. These activities have included: trips to the theatre, pub trips, meals out, pottery painting, picnics, pamper nights, and a tour of the BBC studios. These activities range in price from £3 to £25.
All activities must be booked in advance as places are limited. Activity programmes are sent to registered members one or two months in advance.
Andrew and Chris have been involved in the Out of Hours service since the start.
“I like to see my friends and have a laugh” Andrew, Out of Hours Member
“We make things, go out to the cinema, bowling and the theatre. It’s terrific!” Chris, Out of Hours Member
Support
The Out of Hours service has one full time member of staff, who is responsible for planning and leading the activities. Volunteers are integral to the success of the activities programme, all volunteers have provided references and are CRB checked.
Volunteers are primarily there to assist members during the activity and to ensure their safety. Volunteers are not able to provide support with personal care, medication, eating or drinking. As volunteers do not have the same experience and training as staff members some members may be asked to bring a carer to activities to ensure everyone’s safety. If you have any questions about this please do not hesitate to contact the Out of Hours Coordinator.
“The Hamlet Centre Out of Hours service is the best volunteering I’ve ever taken part it. What makes it different is the wide range of fun activities and flexibility to do as much or little as you want in a month. The members seem to really appreciate socialising with others and it allows volunteers to forget about everything else and have some fun! I walk away after every session with a smile on my face.” Julia, Out of Hours Volunteer
Befriending Partnerships
We also have a befriending service which pairs up individual members with volunteers so that they can access activities individually. When a member makes a request for a befriender, the Out of Hours Co-ordinator will identify a suitable volunteer and arrange a meeting. We suggest that partners might like to plan one activity every month or six weeks. If you are interested in becoming or having a befriender please contact the Out of Hours Co-ordinator.
Sara meets with her befriender Christine once a month.
“I go out with Christine, we go shopping, swimming and bowling. I like it.” Sara.
“The befriending scheme is an excellent initiative! I really enjoy Sara’s company and getting to know her better and meet her family. Spending time with her in a different environment from the Hamlet Centre is very interesting. We relax and have fun! I particularly like hearing her planning and looking forward to our outings. Her positive nature is so infectious, making her a pleasure to be with.” Christine.
How you can get involved
If you would like any more information on becoming a member of the Out of Hours service please contact the Out of Hours Co-ordinator Jen Nicholl-Inglis on jen@hamletcentre.org.uk or 01603 751675.
We are not looking to recruit any new volunteers for the Out of Hours service at the moment. If this changes details of how to get involved will be posted here.