For several years, members of RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Programme) have been giving help to children in primary schools throughout Pembrokeshire. RSVP was started as a UK national organisation in 1989 and has now re-launched its local service from its office in Haverfordwest. Until now, the Pembrokeshire focus has been mainly to help children with their reading, but its new aim is to offer assistance over a much broader number of subjects. RSVP volunteers co-ordinator Lynda Hill has been joined by three retired volunteers, Stuart Gracie from Tenby, Margaret McBrearty from Haverfordwest and Ray Causer from Abercastle, who provide day-to-day co-ordination of volunteers and their placement in schools over South Pembrokeshire, Haverfordwest and North Pembrokeshire, respectively. Many schools over the whole county have asked for more volunteers to help their children develop their skills and understanding in a wide range of areas, including: reading (English or Welsh), arithmetic, art and crafts, knitting, sewing, gardening, languages, IT, history/reminiscences, sport, music, helping on school outings. Volunteers work closely with the school staff in their supporting roles as 'Classroom Friends'. Their efforts are much valued by both the teachers and the pupils and it is a rewarding task to see the children learning and progressing week by week. To help meet the demand from schools, more volunteers are urgently needed. If you are retired, aged over 50, enjoy being in the company of young children, and have skills or interests in any of these or other areas, your help would be really appreciated. If you can spend a few hours each week and would like to find out more about this enjoyable way of giving to your local community and finding a new interest in your retirement, Lynda Hill can be contacted on 01437 768195 or 07901 551407.
