Clem McCulloch from Brighton has been praised by a national charity for his volunteer work on holidays for children with complex disabilities, and is now calling on others to volunteer on breaks across England and Wales.
For over 40 years, national disability charity, Sense, has provided a range of holidays and short breaks for children, young people and adults who are deafblind, have sensory impairments or complex needs. The breaks enable the holidaymakers to develop physically, socially and emotionally, and also provide vital respite for families from caring duties.
Clem, 25, who works for a Brand Consultancy and is studying part-time for an MA in Social & Political Thought at Sussex University, has already volunteered on two holidays and credits the experience with helping him build his confidence and deal with stressful situations more calmly.
Clem McCulloch told TSN: “Volunteering on a Sense holiday is an immensely rewarding experience. It’s an important reminder that different people have radically different perspectives – it brings home that how you relate to the world is not how life is for everyone.
It has helped me deal with stressful situations more calmly, and I think led me to being a little kinder and less judgmental.
If someone asked me whether they should volunteer with Sense I’d say yes without hesitation.”
Eleanor Coker, Head of Volunteering at Sense, said: “Our holidays programme is very much dependent on the support of our remarkable volunteers. The week-long holiday is planned around the needs of the holidaymakers and our personalised approach means that we can support people to do what they want to do – however simple or complex this may be.
Volunteers like Clem make a hugely valuable contribution to our breaks and the support we are able to provide for holidaymakers. They will also have a great time, have an opportunity to use their skills in a different and varied environment all while experiencing a huge sense of achievement.”
Sense have a range of holidays and short breaks planned for 2017. If you are interested in volunteering please visit www.sense.org.uk . Alternatively, call 0300 330 9250 or email holidays@sense.org.uk