At Telios Tutors, we care about working alongside organisations that share our values to further uphold our mission and enhance our ability to positively impact more young people on an academic and personal level.
There are a wave of young people in society who are often ‘shunned’ due to having learning difficulties and being on the autistic spectrum. Often misunderstood in the classroom, they can feel neglected and socially secluded.
Every child is a young dreamer with ambitions and dreams to improve their condition and we care about providing children with support and empower them through education and edification.
Recently we connected with SOS!SEN who are a charity that offers free and confidential advice to parents regarding special educational needs and support families who are affected by this.
SOS!SEN also provide help through the legal and bureaucratic system which for most, can be terrifying and intimidating.
Having a strong team of private tutors with huge hearts to be leaders of change, we wish to come together to make a difference. Especially with the recent Covid-19 outbreak where many are in a position to utilise any extra time in a productive and meaningful way, we have decided to help raise awareness and be a force for positive change during this time.
We would love for our tutors to be able to help this wonderful organisation and ultimately help reshape a child’s future. No experience is necessary required – all we need is a huge heart and interest in helping young people.
Here are some things you can volunteer with:
- Offering one half day per week or fortnight on the Helpline which can be conducted remotely from home. Training may be provided.
- One half day per month as an advice centre helper
- Act as a ‘family friend’ to support them if they have local authority meetings
- Acting as a kind helper to a family who requires a ‘friend’ to talk to
- A few hours each week or month to help with administration
- Helping out with selling items online from charity shops (originally based in Hampton Hill and Worcester Park)
- Running an event for SOSSEN e.g. sponsored charity events / fundraising
- Raising awareness through social media platforms
Living With Autism
We interviewed a student who has autism to gain a personal inight to exactly what it is like living with autism.
How has having autism affected you in your education?
Autism affects me in many ways in my education as I do get very overwhelmed due to bullying. I have trouble with picking up social cues sometimes.
On a personal level, how has the lack of support from schools affected you?
The lack of Support from school affects my a lot as I was in the lower sets with those who were not eager to learn as I am and they have forced me to take subjects that I did not want to take. I am still having to take to play catch-up to such as learning new words and how to be more independent.
How do you think this will affect your future?
I think this will affect my future as I am not learning as fast as I’d like. I am far behind in terms of knowing how I could work Independently and there many people that do not understand Autism and it would be great if there was a greater awareness of how to interact with those who are autistic.
What solutions would you propose that will help us overcome this?
More encouragement and no discrimination.I’d like to see more training and support to teach staff members about Special Educational Needs and to spread awareness. Moreover, to ensure that schools actually help SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) students.
How has SOS!SEN helped you?
They have helped contact solicitors and helped me draft letters to the mediation advisors on my behalf and they offer very good advice and they know the field of supporting those with SEND very well. SOS!SEN has helped me a lot.
What advice do you have for parents with children that have recently been diagnosed with autism?
My advice to parents with children that have been diagnosed with ASD/Autism is to be patient with them and fry and follow their interests; help them achieve their goals and advocate for them.
Interested in volunteering for SOS!SEN? Contact them directly here.