Since 2003 Me2 Club volunteers have enabled children and young people with additional needs and disabilities (aged 5-19 years), throughout the Wokingham Borough, to attend a mainstream leisure activity of their choice. Me2 Club supports young people in a wide range of activities including uniformed groups, ice-skating, swimming, sports, drama and dance sessions. The young people it supports struggle to access these activities because of their needs, resulting in social isolation, lack of confidence and self-esteem.

To enable the young people to take part in mainstream activities, that they would not otherwise have access to, the Me2 Club recruits, trains, screens and supports volunteers before they are carefully matched with a young person. The volunteers support young people by getting to know them, understanding their specific needs and enabling them to attend and enjoy their weekly activity. In addition to their core work each year, Me2 Club organises 3 residential ‘Weekends Away’ for 20 to 30 young people and their volunteers. These offer an opportunity for the young people to have fun with their volunteer whilst their families get much-needed respite.

Me2 Club works closely with mainstream activity leaders helping them to make their activities more accessible and welcoming by providing comprehensive Inclusion Training. Tess, the Me2 Club Manager, also works closely with partner agencies throughout the Wokingham Borough to ensure that the families who need this support hear about the charity’s unique work.

The Trustees of Me2 Club are very grateful for the support received in the past from the Barbara Ward Children’s Foundation and delighted to hear that a further 3-year grant has recently been approved. As a small local charity, this funding will be invaluable in enabling their work to grow in developing a more inclusive community.