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Focus Surrey allows parents to take their children to a fully inclusive setting

Writer's picture: Sue ArchdallSue Archdall

#Volunteersweek takes place 1-7 June every year. It's a chance to recognise the fantastic contribution volunteers make to our communities and say thank you. Focus Surrey would like to recognise the more than 380 volunteers who have been pivotal to the success of the Saturday club which has been running since September 2016.


Board Certified Behaviour Analyst Tracey Tibbals explains what she admires about the volunteers at Focus Surrey. Tracey explained how she was one of the first consultants to run Focus Saturday club 12 terms ago in September 2016 (alongside Karolina Gburczyk and Kelly Taylor). Although her role as consultant ended in 2021, Tracey is still involved with the club as one of its trustees, getting involved in fundraising, operations and policy advice.


"Each term I'm always amazed by the number of people who come and volunteer and am always impressed at their levels of enthusiasm for the role. Everyone brings their own unique experiences and personalities but despite this everyone gets on really well and a team spirit forms very quickly. This happens even though the vast majority don’t know each other, with everyone having lunch together and supporting each other when the club is in session. A number of volunteers have come back term after term too which is wonderful and helps the consultants and room leads out immensely as we have more people who know how the club needs to be run and can help with the training. It always impresses me how people are so eager to give up their Saturdays to support the children at the club.


As a BCBA, Focus is great opportunity to disseminate the science of ABA whilst also demonstrating that it isn’t rigid and boring. It’s also wonderful to know that the positive outcomes of ABA when it is truly child centred and focused on motivation and fun can be demonstrated. It also allows parents who have not had access to ABA before (because they can’t afford it, haven’t heard of it, or because they’ve been put off by bad practice) a chance to try the approach and see the benefits. We also encourage parents themselves to become volunteers with their child, allowing even greater hands on training that they can apply themselves at home.


Social isolation is a huge concern for a lots of parents with ASD children, particularly as their children get older with fewer and fewer available options open to them. Focus Surrey allows parents to take their children to a fully inclusive setting where they can be assured they won’t be judged. Parents are also provided with a support network of parents and professionals.


If you would like to volunteer at Focus Surrey please email focussurrey@hotmail.com

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Focus Surrey is a registered charity

Charity Number: 1178378

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