1 – 2 week project during main school holidays
This project uses creative workshops and outings to support the development of independent living skills in enjoyable ways. Such skills range from making a cup of tea, understanding money, travelling from A to B on public transport, to overcoming fear of groups.

A unique approach
The project supports people of all abilities and ages to discover and develop their potential. Wherever possible we link two volunteers with a person with a learning disability or autism and together they take part in a wide range of activities. The feedback structure provided by parents, therapists and other staff takes into account the needs of all participants. Together we build a community where everyone is welcome and valued for who they are. Christine, a mother whose daughter is very aware of the fact she has a disability, says: “The Social Development Project is the one place where my daughter feels normal”. As well as linked volunteers we need minibus drivers for outings, cooks to help us prepare lunch, support for participants to use computers and workshop leaders/assistants.

A supportive structure creates opportunities for all
Creative sessions, planned for individual needs and led by professional therapists and workshop leaders, provide a structured framework. They include sports, craft, music, video, yoga and lots more. In addition to these there are outings: participants together with their volunteers choose where they might like to spend the day or afternoon. As 17-year old Maria told her volunteers: “Kith & Kids is better than the other places I’ve been to, coz you can do your own thing and be your own style. I don’t have to do what everybody else is doing, I can make my own plans and go to my own workshops”.

See photos of our activities here.

“I went to the first training day just to suss things out (never having done anything like this before). I learnt a lot that day, but mostly I liked the atmosphere. On the project itself I learnt even more and I liked the feeling that I was making a difference. I did a second project because I wanted to try out leading a sporty games workshop, which I felt able to do because of the first project and because I knew there’d be someone there if I needed any help.”
Minesh (22, maths degree and keen cricketer & footballer)

Where and when?

Next project is Summer Project 2013

The Summer Project will be held at a venue in North London and is currently scheduled for Monday 12th to Friday 23rd August 2013, (9.30am to 5.30pm – not the middle weekend).

You’ll need to come along to one of our series of General Volunteer Training – which looks at our approach to supporting people who have a learning disability so that you are prepared for the project.

Our next General Training dates running up to the Summer Project are:

7 pm-10 pm Tuesday 18th June
and 10 am-4.30 pm Saturday 6th July
and 10 am-4.30 pm Sunday 21st July (this last date subject to change)
OR
10 am-4.30 pm Sunday 23rd June
and 10 am-4.30 pm Saturday 6th July
and 10 am-4.30 pm Sunday 21st July (this last date subject to change)

Training takes place at Ermine Road Day Centre, 2 Ermine Road N15 6DB (nearest tube: Seven Sisters).

Please note minimum age for projects is 16 years. We must have CRB checks for all volunteers involved in our projects and activities – this process can take up to 2 months to complete. We also cannot guarantee a place on our project until we meet you.

Travel & expenses

We offer travel expenses to volunteers. Please feel free to Contact Us.