Giving Tuesday: Friends of Treloar’s

As part of our Giving Tuesday celebrations, we would like to introduce you to the Friends of Treloar’s.

The Friends of Treloar’s (FOT), often referred to as “The Friends” are a group of volunteers who support the work of Treloar’s and have a long-standing relationship with the School and College. Many of our current Friends have connections to Treloar’s through personal friends or having worked at Treloar’s in the past. Some Friends join as they just feel they would like to do something to help a charity local to them. When asked why they joined The Friends, a couple of them responded:

“This was a very special local charity in which I wanted to be involved and where I could see that I could be helpful in a variety of ways without having to commit more time than I felt I could offer.”

“I joined The Friends when I retired from Treloar’s Therapy Department (OT), about 10 years ago. For me, it has retained a thread to a place where I loved working. It is interesting to see how the School and College has changed over the years, and I admire enormously the courage of the students and the dedication of the staff.”

“Our chair, Jane, is tireless in her enthusiasm and commitment and that is a great incentive, plus we have a lot of fun and not a few laughs along the way.”

“As a previous employer, I can see how events work from the inside and maybe sometimes can give an insight on what might be helpful for the students, both physically and psychologically.”

“Helping at events can be fun and a way to chat to students and staff whilst giving a hand and extra support to relieve staff for more important tasks.”

The Friends have a special relationship with the Fundraising Team at Treloar’s. Although not fundraisers themselves, they often support the work of the team. This is usually at the various fundraising events held throughout the year. The Friends turn their hand to anything they can do to help, from selling raffle tickets, serving tea and coffee, helping with car parking, baking cakes, manning stalls at various events including Christmas Concerts, plant sales, The Alton Yuletide Festival and The Dummer Fair.

The Friends do raise a small amount of funds themselves and use these to purchase items that enhance students’ experiences such as plants for our Outdoor Learning Centre and greenhouse for students to grow and sell, children’s entertainers and tea and coffee for various parent groups. They have also been able to donate money to purchase specialist equipment for the students and most recently, some beautiful bespoke wooden furniture including a fully accessible Story Telling Chair in the newly refurbished Outdoor Learning Centre.

They also help with student events such as Christmas parties, the planting of a variety of flowers and vegetables with the students and at various festivals held throughout the year. Some of the Friends come into the School and College to support students, perhaps by listening to them read. These Friends are also Treloar Volunteers and have to have DBS Checks and various training. This ensures everyone’s safety and wellbeing.

There are various levels of involvement in being a Friend, you can just have your name on a list of contacts that can be asked to help and an event, you may only be able to offer to help for a couple of hours once a year or you may choose to join the Committee, come along to the quarterly meetings and possibly volunteer more frequently.

Are you interested in joining The Friends of Treloar’s?

If you would like further information or would just like to chat further about joining the Friends please contact us on 01420 547447 or email events@treloar.org.uk