The upcoming Family Fun Day will offer a blend of cricket matches and family-friendly activities within the cricket club’s grounds. The event was organised by SCCC who have offered this great opportunity to the Route1 Independent Visitor service, which matches volunteers with young people in care. SCCC are also offering Route1 volunteers tickets for several one-day matches throughout the summer.
Route1 volunteers are either short term Advocates, or longer-term Independent Visitors.
Volunteer Independent Visitors make a long-term commitment to one child in care. They visit the child once or twice each month, and build a trusting, supportive relationship.
Advocates can speak up for the young person, give advice, make them aware of their rights, listen to them and represent their views, wishes and feelings. Their aim is to empower a young person by supporting them to have their say. There is a bank of advocates and each one can agree to take on a specific case or not.
Recently, the Route1 service was given an Outstanding rating following an independent internal review, which highlighted its strong commitment to listening to children and prioritising their needs. It was also shortlisted as one of the final three contenders for the Frontline National Award 2024 ‘Team of the Year.’
Daniel Cooper, Marketing Manager at Somerset County Cricket Club, expressed enthusiasm for the event:
“Our 2024 family day is designed to give young people their very best cricket experience. We know that when people reflect on their first cricket games their overriding memories are collecting autographs, meeting the mascots and a variety of other magical touchpoints. This is what inspires our family day – a day designed to create special memories that young people will hold on to, creating cricket fans for life. We’re delighted to support Route1 in giving young people access to this special matchday and by continuing to provide them with cricket opportunities in the future.”
The day promises not only cricket matches but also family-friendly activities such as face painting and a petting zoo—all available free of charge once inside. One volunteer shared,
“My young person is already excited. It’s a chance for us to have fun and experience something new together—I’ve never been to a cricket match either!”
Councillor Heather Shearer, Lead Member for Children, Families and Education states
“At Somerset Council, our aim is to ensure all children and young people in Somerset grow up in an inclusive and supportive environment, allowing them to thrive and succeed. I am so proud of our Route1 service and all the fantastic opportunities it provides for our young people. Thank you to all the volunteers involved in this event and to SCCC for their generosity.”
For more information about the volunteering roles or the service offer, please get in touch via email at route1advocacy@somerset.gov.uk, call 01749 822801, or visit at www.route1advocacy.co.uk. Both volunteer roles come with training and ongoing support to help you make a significant difference to the person you support.
