What do they do?
The "work" is simple: open your heart and home to a child in need for one weekend a month, in a spirit of acceptance, friendship and understanding for both the child and their parent/s. These children are aged up to 12 years and are living with challenging family circumstances which may include a parent or sibling struggling with chronic illness or addiction, emotional trauma, social and financial disadvantage, isolation, and limited extended family support.
Aunts and uncles plan simple activities that help the child to learn more about positive social and life skills and to create happy childhood memories. Nieces and nephews mostly enjoy becoming part of the everyday happenings of their "linked" family´s life cooking a meal, washing the dog, going for walks and generally sharing in another way of life.
It is essential that prospective volunteer aunts and uncles are willing and able to make this commitment for a minimum of 12 months. Many of the children referred to Aunties & Uncles have had lots of disappointments and rejections and need to know that they are accepted.
A rewarding commitment
An overwhelming majority of aunts/uncles and their linked nieces and nephews continue to meet regularly beyond the first 12 months, with almost a third of these lasting for 5 years or more to become an extended family support network for the child and their parent/s. Reported benefits range from marked increases in confidence, social skills, friendship networks, school results, community interaction and relationship with their own family members. See Proven Outcomes
