Alan Jones

Alan has been a voluntary member of the Handicapped Activities & Leisure Organisation (H.A.L.O.) for the last 17 years, 12 of which have been as Vice Chairman. H.A.L.O is a charitable organisation that provides activities, days out and holidays to disabled children and adults in the Greenwich area of South London. The club has 42 members of various disabilities and a team of 15 volunteers that undertake various administration roles and get involved in activities organised by the club. The club has members from all backgrounds and is open to new members regardless of age, gender, race or religion.

Alan helps organsie fortnightly activity nights and days out during the summer. Alan gives up his time at weekends to look after members during these days. Alan also oranises a holiday during August for the members. Alan's principal role is fund raising which is necessary to ensure the continuation of the club. The club no longer receives a grant from the local council so Alan has to come up with innovative ways to raise money from parents, local business's and the local community. Without these efforts the club would be forced to close so Alan has to come up with more innovative ideas to raise funds in a challenging financial environment. Since taking over as prime fund raiser 8 years ago Alan has helped raise in excess of £20,000 and is on track this year to raise a further £3,500.00 The club has grown in this time from about 20 members to 42 and as the club expands and more members join, new initiatives for fund raising are sought and implemented.

The club also provides younger adults looking for a career in social care with valuable experience of dealing with children/adults with disabilities. Volunteer helpers doing child care courses at local colleges are interviewed and after the necessary police checks are invited to help out during evening meetings and on days out. Many consider this valuable hands on experience for future jobs within the social care sector a