We are looking for ‘family pals’ for our Live- In Family Leadership Adventure Break from the 23rd to the 25th of April 2022 in the Cavan Centre, Ballyjamesduff. Your role is to support the families
attending the weekend, to join in and have as much fun as possible and to learn a little about family leadership for inclusion at the same time.
What experience do I need to have?
We are looking for people who have an interest in assisting children with disabilities and their
families to have a good time together. You do not have to have prior experience of working with
children with disabilities as we will provide you with support and supervision for the weekend. Most
importantly we believe that families know what works for their family members and will guide you in
the way they require support.
What experience do I need to have?
Previous “family pals” have been tradespeople, students, teachers, business owners, people who
are job seeking and trying new things, youth workers and administrators.
All volunteers must be open to a Garda Clearance check and provide two referees.
Family pals must be 18 or over.
What Do I Have to Do?
Family pals are matched with a family based on hobbies, interests and location. We will share
some information about the family you are working with prior to the weekend, and you will get to
know them over the course of the weekend. On Friday evening we spend time getting to know one
another before starting a busy weekend of activities. Initially, we meet at Leap HQ in Castlepollard on Friday 23rd to get to know one another. Activities are both outdoors and indoors.
Please see www.cavancentre.ie for more details.
What training will I receive?
Each individual is different and so we spend time asking families about the specific support their
family may need over the weekend. You will be matched to your family before you arrive and
will have spoken to our coordinator and possibly the family about their expectations in advance of
coming to the Cavan Centre. Evening get togethers take place each evening to check in with all
family pals to see how their day went and get ready for the day ahead. Project leaders and Cavan
Centre staff are available to you at all times.
What we expect of a Family Pal
• Be open to a contact from a participating family prior to the weekend.
• Be available to stay at the Cavan Centre for the full weekend – from Friday 16:30 to Sunday 16:30.
• Have an interest in people and adventure activities.
• Supervise the safety of the family member you are working with for the Saturday afternoon and
Sunday mornings when parents are attending Leap workshops.
• Support the family member you are working with so that they can take part in the adventure
challenges on site.
• Take the lead from the family on any support/ care needs that a person may have.
• Get involved yourself in the Cavan Centre activities, i.e. kayaking, bonfire, games.
If you are interested in hearing more about opportunities with Leap, please contact Rachel on 087
6130165 or Trevor 0864019763 email us at leapireland@gmail.com