PALS (West Berkshire)

Last updated: 26/07/2023

PALS is a West Berkshire charity that has been working with physically disabled children and young people since 1997. 

Offering a wide variety of social and leisure activities for children and young people aged 5 – 25.  Activities take place after school and weekends in term time, and throughout the week during the holidays.

Who to contact

Contact Name
Helen Randall
Contact Position
Manager
Telephone
0118 932 3799
07887871112
E-mail
helen@palsweb.org.uk
Website
PALS (Partners for Active Leisure Scheme)

Where to go

Name
The PALS Office
Address
Mayridge Farm
Englefield
Reading
Berkshire
Postcode
RG7 5JT
Notes

This is not a "venue", it is simply our office. We host activities at various centres and halls around Newbury and Thatcham.

Time / Date Details

When is it on
Regular clubs/youth groups are on Tuesdays and Fridays
Session Information
Contact provider for information
Various afterschool and evening clubs in term time with occasional weekend activities. In holidays throughout the week.

Other Details

Costs

Details
Costs are kept as low as possible, with an afterschool or youth club costing £5.

Availability

Age Ranges
4-11
11-16
16-18
18-25

Age Range Notes

From age 5 to 25 years

Referral required
No
Referral Details

Anyone can access PALS. You can self-refer, be referred by a professional or be signposted to us by other organisations.

Other notes

The children and young people are supported at activities by our manager and a team of trained volunteers, while parents are able to leave their children with us and enjoy a much needed break. In addition, during the holidays our members have the opportunity to take part in residential trips away with us. Activity costs are met by the parents but these are kept to a minimum and are often subsidised, especially the residential trips.

PALS also offer a "Young Adults group" for those over 18 years of age, and this group enjoys a variety of social events but emphasis is placed on the individual  being as independent as possible.

Local Offer

Description

PALS is a West Berkshire charity that has been working with physically disabled children and young people since 1997. 

Offering a wide variety of social and leisure activities for children and young people aged 5 – 25.  Activities take place after school and weekends in term time, and throughout the week during the holidays.

In order to join us a child or young person must primarily have a physical disability. PALS accept people with other additional needs, but only where their physical disability is a bigger barrier in their lives.

Contact Name
Helen Randall
Contact Telephone
07887871112
Contact Email
helen@palsweb.org.uk
SEN Provision Type
Physical Disability
Local Offer Age Bands
5 to 7
7 to 11
12 to 14
15 to 16
16 to 18
19 plus

General Provider

Is your service accessible? (consider in general terms how you make your service accessible, in addition to any specific premises issues)

Yes

What are the eligibility criteria for your service? (please include any age restrictions, types of need catered for etc)

A child or young person must primarily have a physical disability. PALS accept people with other additional needs, but only where their physical disability is a bigger barrier in their lives.

How are referrals/applications made to your service? (include details of who can refer/apply and referral and application process)

A home visit by the coordinator to discuss needs

What is your service standard for responding to referrals/accessing services? (include timescales for responding to referrals and accessing services)

No waiting list.

Who provides / funds your service?
Voluntary/Charitable
Are children, young people, parents / carers charged for your service?
Yes
Details of charges, whether any help is available with costs

Charges are kept to a minimum. For example an afterschool club or youth club costs £5. Bigger activities naturally cost more, and PALS have to pass on the cost of ticket prices. Help is available from our committee if the cost of attending activities is forcing people to miss out.

Feedback and complaints procedure

Complaints and feedback should go to the coordinator in the first instance, then to the Chair of the committee.

How will I know my child will be safe using this service?

All volunteers and staff are DBS checked. Volunteers undergo training in several areas.

West Berkshire Council do not promote or endorse any of the services listed in this Directory. For more information on this please read our disclaimer.

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