Every act of kindness, no matter how small, can create a ripple of positive change.
At TAAG, we believe in the transformative power of volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to support families navigating the challenges of autism. By joining our team, you become a beacon of hope and a pillar of strength for our community.
TAAG’s Mission
Lancashire TAAG is a heartfelt initiative run by dedicated volunteers and trustees operating in Chorley and South Ribble.
Founded in 2012 by parents navigating the complexities of an autism diagnosis, TAAG emerged from a shared desire to combat isolation and anxiety.
Our mission is to support neurodiverse children, young people, and their families by providing a nurturing environment where they can find understanding and community.
At TAAG, we offer a range of services designed to enrich the lives of those we serve.
Our multi-sports activities cater to children and young people aged 8 and above, promoting physical fitness and social engagement.
We provide specialised programs such as rebound therapy on trampolines, indoor climbing wall activities, team-building exercises, and essential social and life skills development.
Our support extends to parents and caregivers through regular group meetings, where they can share experiences, receive information, and listen to guest speakers over a comforting cup of coffee.
Additionally, we offer valuable signposting to other organisations, information on training courses and workshops, and online support for continuous connection.
The Role of Volunteers at TAAG
Volunteers are the backbone of Lancashire TAAG, integral to our mission and daily operations.
Their unwavering dedication ensures that our programs run smoothly and effectively, providing consistent support to the families we serve. From organising and leading activities to offering a listening ear in support groups, our volunteers make a tangible difference in the lives of neurodiverse children and their families.
They help create a welcoming and inclusive community, bridging gaps and building strong, supportive networks. By giving their time and compassion, TAAG volunteers embody the spirit of our mission, fostering an environment of hope, growth, and connection.
The Impact on Families and Children
Support and Connection
At Lancashire TAAG, our volunteers are more than just helpers; they are the heartbeat of our community.
By offering their time and compassion, volunteers provide essential support that creates a profound sense of connection for families and children with autism.
They lead and participate in activities like multi-sports, rebound therapy, and indoor climbing, which not only enhance physical skills but also foster social interaction and confidence.
In our parent support groups, volunteers facilitate discussions, share valuable resources, and ensure that everyone feels heard and supported. This collective effort helps families navigate the challenges of autism with greater ease and assurance, knowing they are not alone.
Success Stories
The impact of our volunteers is best captured through the stories of the families they touch.
Take Emma, for example, her son, Alex struggles with social interactions. Through TAAG’s multi-sports activities, led by our passionate volunteers, Alex found not only a new interest in sports but also a mentor who made a significant difference in his life.
Emma shares, “The volunteers at TAAG have been a lifeline for us. Alex looks forward to every session, and his confidence has soared. We’ve found a community where we truly belong.”
The Benefits to Volunteers
Personal Growth
Volunteering with Lancashire TAAG is a journey of personal growth and fulfilment.
Our volunteers often discover new passions and skills they didn’t know they had. Whether it’s learning to facilitate a sports activity, leading a team-building exercise, or simply offering a listening ear in a support group, each experience contributes to their personal development.
Volunteers frequently express how much they learn from the families and children they support, gaining insights into resilience, empathy, and the power of community.
Community Building
Being a part of TAAG fosters a deep sense of community and belonging.
Volunteers form strong bonds with each other and the families they support, creating a network of mutual support and friendship. This shared mission of helping neurodiverse children and their families brings people together, forging connections that extend beyond TAAG events.
Volunteers become part of a close-knit community dedicated to making a positive impact.
Health Benefits
The benefits of volunteering extend beyond emotional fulfilment and community building. Numerous studies show that volunteering can enhance mental and physical health.
Volunteers often report feeling happier and more content, experiencing reduced stress levels and improved overall well-being. The act of giving back and seeing the positive changes in the lives of those they help provides a sense of purpose and achievement, which is immensely rewarding.
At TAAG, our volunteers not only make a difference in others’ lives but also enrich their own in countless ways.
Types of Volunteer Opportunities
Direct Support Roles
Volunteers are the heart of our hands-on activities at Lancashire TAAG. We offer various direct support roles where you can make a tangible difference.
You can become a mentor, guiding and encouraging children and young people during multi-sports activities or Rebound Therapy sessions.
Event coordination is another key area where volunteers can shine, helping organise and run our events smoothly, ensuring everyone has a positive and enriching experience.
Additionally, youth club activities offer a chance for volunteers to engage directly with children, facilitating social interactions and life skills development in a fun and supportive environment.
Behind-the-Scenes Roles
For those who prefer to work behind the scenes, there are plenty of opportunities to support TAAG’s mission.
Administrative support is crucial for the smooth operation of our programs, involving tasks such as data entry, communication, and scheduling.
Fundraising efforts are another critical area where volunteers can contribute by helping to organise events, manage campaigns, and engage with donors.
Advocacy efforts also need dedicated volunteers to raise awareness and influence policies that benefit our community.
Each of these roles is vital in keeping TAAG running effectively and ensuring we can continue to support families.
Specialised Skills
If you have specialised skills, your expertise is incredibly valuable to TAAG.
We always need volunteers with backgrounds in therapy, education, and IT. Therapists can provide direct support through activities like Rebound Therapy, while educators can help develop and run training programs and workshops for parents and caregivers.
IT specialists play a crucial role in maintaining our online support systems and managing our digital presence, ensuring we can reach and support as many families as possible. Your unique skills can significantly enhance our services and the support we offer.
How to Get Involved
Steps to Volunteer
Becoming a volunteer at Lancashire TAAG is a simple and rewarding process. Here’s how you can get started:
Visit Our Website: Go to our website and navigate to the ‘Get Involved’ section.
Complete the Application: Fill out the volunteer application form, providing details about your interests and availability.
Attend an Orientation: Once your application is reviewed, you will be invited to an orientation session to learn more about TAAG and our volunteer opportunities.
Training: Participate in training sessions specific to your chosen volunteer role to ensure you are well-prepared and confident.
Get Started: After training, you’ll be matched with a volunteer opportunity that suits your skills and interests, and you can start making a difference right away.
Training and Support
At TAAG, we believe in equipping our volunteers with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. We offer comprehensive training sessions that cover everything from understanding autism to specific skills required for various roles.
Ongoing support is provided through regular check-ins, additional training opportunities, and a supportive community of fellow volunteers and staff. You’ll never feel alone in your volunteering journey; we’re here to help every step of the way.
Get Involved
Join Lancashire TAAG today and become part of a community dedicated to making a meaningful impact.
Your time, skills, and compassion can transform lives, providing invaluable support to families and children navigating autism, anxiety, ADHD and neurodiversity.
