Volunteering For Children's Charities In Reading

According to a set of 2018 figures from the charity End Child Poverty, a quarter of children in Reading are living in poverty. That's a shockingly high number. While that figure of 25% is taken after housing costs, it's still more than 15% before those costs are taken into account.

Because of this, it's crucial there are Reading charities that are able to deal with this local problem. It's also vital that there are local organisations that can help when children are abused or neglected, offering safety and support both now and for their future development.

You can read on to learn more about some of the best children's charities Reading has to offer below. If you want to get involved and start volunteering Reading has a number of options. Volunteering is a great way to help a cause you're passionate about, and can often open up new doors and lead on to other roles within the charity sector.

CHILDREN'S CHARITIES IN READING THAT NEED YOUR SUPPORT

Save The Children

With a number of charity shops within a short drive of Reading, Save the Children is one of the world's most recognisable children's charities. Having celebrated its centenary in 2019, the charity boasts a presence in more than 100 countries, with the aim of protecting children while also helping them to learn and improve themselves.

People's Postcode Lottery players have raised over £11 Million so far for Save the Children. Whether you're volunteering at one of the charity's shops near Reading, joining in with campaigns or buying gifts from its online shop, Save the Children is a great organisation to get involved with.

NSPCC

Another charity that needs few introductions, the NSPCC is one of the UK's foremost charitable organisations in any field. It's also been going for over 100 years, and strives to protect children from abuse and neglect, and the effects these things can have in later life.

The nearest NSPCC office to Reading is in Croydon, giving you the chance to jump on a train and volunteer. Alternatively, you could train as a Childline volunteer. Our players have raised over £5 Million for NSPCC.

Parenting Special Children

Founded in 2006, Parenting Special Children aims to provide specialist support to both parents and carers of kids and young people with special needs in Berkshire. Offering support during diagnosis of conditions such as autism and ADHD, the charity's services also include parenting programmes, sleep support, advice and training.

Parenting Special Children runs a helpline, puts on after-school clubs and has a packed events calendar containing everything from workshops and support groups to family fun days. This gives you a range of possibilities when it comes to helping out with your volunteering efforts.

The Engine Shed

A special interest group for children and young people with autism, The Engine Shed was set up in 2009. It allows people with an interest in trains to come together and play or enjoy their hobby in a safe, welcoming environment.

With a group that meets every month in Reading, you could help put on these sessions by sorting out things like refreshments. You may also like to get involved with the excursions the charity puts on, which has included rides on heritage railways and trips to fairs.

HELPING DESERVING CAUSES

If you'd like to know more about getting involved in volunteering in your community, take a look at our Local Causes page and find opportunities near you.