Alyth’s Monday Club provides a regular social opportunity for adults with learning and other disabilities, outside of statutory provision, within which the members and volunteers feel empowered and valued.
There is little doubt that The Monday Club tackles the stigma of loneliness and disability head-on. It provides an invaluable link to other members in similar situations and a volunteering experience that enhances the lives, particularly in the area of mental health, of both the disabled and non-disabled attendees.
The Monday Club has been running for over 40 years and until April 2019 due to the dedication of a small team of volunteers. It has a new Club and Volunteer Co-ordinator and volunteers (ranging in age from 23 to mid-80s).
The Club offers members, of all ages, faiths, cultures and abilities, the chance to meet with their friends. They enjoy a game of Bingo followed by a different activity programme each week. The session allows members to take part in art, drama, film club, music, exercise and story-telling with music. The professional facilitators are experienced in providing appropriate, inclusive activities for mixed-ability groups. After the formal weekly programme, members have refreshments and socialise together before going home. The refreshments vary and as well as the more prosaic cake, fruit and biscuits, we enjoy healthy eating choices after the exercise sessions; cheesecake at Shavuot; Indian sweets for Diwali; latkes and doughnuts for Chanukah and mini-mince pies for Christmas.
Click here for the programme.
We need a team of volunteers to ensure it is a success.
To be part of our volunteers’ rota means that you could commit to every week, once a fortnight or once a month – whatever you can manage.
There are a number of ways you can help:
- Assisting guests to win at Bingo and take part in the weekly workshop (e.g. music, exercise, drama, art)
- Helping with refreshments – either collecting/preparing and distributing
- Driving our guests to and from club
- Sponsoring a weekly workshop or the refreshments
Any necessary training would be given and we will require a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, the cost will be met by Alyth.
Email office@alyth.org.uk to volunteer.