Children & Young People Services
In collaboration with our partnership organisations, the Children and Young People’s service at WECIL delivers a variety of services in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Bath and North East Somerset.
Where do you live?
We offer a variety of services which include youth and play programmes, 1:1 Befriending services and sessions with our partner organisations which support Disabled children and young people with autism, sensory impairment and more complex needs as well as specialist support for BAME families.
We recognise that every child and family is unique, and there is not a one size fits all approach for the support we offer.
From birth to adulthood
We support Disabled children and young people from birth through to adulthood. All of our services are designed to ensure your child can build and develop the skills, relationships, friendships and confidence needed to live the life they chose. Our support is a great way to make the most of your child’s Direct Living Allowance – the benefits of our services often go well beyond the time spent in sessions, and our short breaks give parents well deserved time away from caring responsibilities.
Navigators
Are you unsure what financial support your child is entitled to as Disabled person and how to access it? WECIL can help you apply for, get the most out of and understand your child’s Direct Living Allowance.
Providing a safe and supportive environment for Disabled children and young people
Befriending
Our Befriending service is a well established provision which links Disabled children and young people with a volunteer ‘buddy’. This 1:1 support is for those who may find group sessions more difficult and offers an opportunity for your child to go out and about with a volunteer who can help support with developing independence and self confidence.
Parents and carers get an opportunity for a much needed break, whilst feeling reassured that your child is having fun and developing as an individual.
We currently offer support to Disabled children and young people aged 5-18 in Bristol and 0-19 in Bath and North East Somerset. Befrienders offer up to 2 hours of support per week, and are recruited in line with local authority safer recruitment guidance, which includes enhanced DBS checks, training and references.
*Please note that whilst our volunteer Befrienders undertake training, we cannot guarantee that they will have the necessary experience in dealing with any specific needs. Our volunteers are not expected to administer medication, or assist with personal care. These factors should be taken into consideration when assessing a child or young person’s suitability for this service.
If you are interested in our Befriending service, please contact us and one of our team will be in touch.
If you’d like to volunteer as a Befriender, please visit our volunteering page for opportunities.
Volunteer for WECIL
Volunteering at WECIL is a great opportunity to gain new skills, learn about what we do and contribute positively to the lives of Disabled people. We will pay for any out-of-pocket expenses and we will aim to ensure that as a volunteer:
- Your time, skills and experience will be used well
- Your work will be appreciated and recognised
- You will be provided with information and
guidance to carry out your volunteer role - Your access needs will be met; our offices are accessible buildings and we will make reasonable adjustments as required
Join Us
We are always looking for new volunteers; so if you want to gain first-hand experience, brush up on existing skills or want to use us as a stepping stone into employment, we’d love to hear from you.
Take a look at our current vacancies by visiting the link below, or for more information please contact our Volunteer Team at [email protected] or call 0117 947 9911.
We recognise that every child and family is unique, and there is not a one size fits all approach for the support we offer.
C&YP Blog
For community news, upcoming events, blog articles and reports see below. If you have something that you’d like to see covered then please get in touch by emailing: [email protected]
A Summer of Fun and Growth with WECIL’s Children and Young People’s Services
As summer draws to a close, we’re looking back on a season filled not only with fun but also with…
Celebrating Playday 2024 at The Ardagh
Yesterday marked the much-anticipated national Playday 2024, celebrated annually on the first Wednesday of August. Playday is a unique event…
Bristol Budget Cuts to Short Breaks for Disabled Children Threaten Family Stability
In a recent decision by Bristol City Council, the budget for Short Breaks for Disabled children will be cut by…
Providing a safe and supportive environment for Disabled children and young people
Children and Young People Team
Our team is friendly and approachable, and here to listen to any issues and questions you might have.
