Can you befriend a disabled child in Bath?

A charity which recruits volunteers for disabled children and young people in Bath celebrated its 41st year with a party at the weekend.

Time2Share was founded in 1972 by a group of university students to help disabled youngsters thrive by giving them greater access to social opportunities.

Volunteers are matched with a child or young person on a 1:1 basis, and spend around two hours a week taking part in an activity they both enjoy.

The charity also covers the north east Somerset and Bristol areas, and the event at Bath City FC saw Time2Share staff, volunteers and families entering into the party spirit.

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Bath area co-ordinator Janice Walsh said the charity would love to hear from more volunteers who could help, and was short of men.

She said: "At the moment we support 21 children and young children in Bath alone each month and we have eight families waiting for volunteers.

"We have still got a waiting list for families waiting for a volunteer and we are looking for volunteers who can commit to a minimum of a year with the child they are matched with.

"That is really important because if a disabled child becomes friends with someone and that ends quickly that can be upsetting."

Mrs Walsh started working at the charity in December having herself been a volunteer befriender for 18 months.

"The main thing is people must want to work with young people with disabilities and can spare a few hours a week," she added.

Volunteers have travel expenses paid and the cost of activities covered by parents.

Elizabeth Gayner's 17-year- old daughter Lily attends the charity's groups and gets a lot out of them.

Elizabeth said: "It has been marvellous for Lily and an opportunity for her to socialise with her peer group away from home and family.

"Social opportunities don't come easily for young people with special needs. Often children are bussed to school so families don't get to meet other families and meeting up with friends outside of school can be limited."

For nine-year-old Jack Weaver and his mum Liz Pontin, from Keynsham, the benefits of having their befriender Steve King are numerous.

Liz said: "I am a single parent and Jack has autism and ADHD so it is very busy.

"When Steve comes I can relax or maybe go and see my friends, so that is really nice.

"Jack loves Steve and he blossoms with him."

Anyone interested in volunteering with Time2Share can apply online at www.time2 share.org.uk or by calling 0117 941 5868.