Orpheus Centre

The Orpheus Centre is located in the countryside just outside the village of Godstone. The closest stations to the project are Redhill and Caterham and trains take 35 minutes to / from London. The area the project is located in is rural and transport can sometimes be infrequent which can make travel to the station difficult. There are many small and medium sized villages / towns within walking distance or a bus-ride away. Buses every hour (not Sundays). Bicycles provided to all volunteers.

Volunteers support apprentices in their leisure activities and assist during their classes and individual learning programmes (note-taking, reading, it support, support group work). Volunteers also provide assistance to apprentices during meal times with feeding (carrying plates etc). During performing arts events and courses volunteers act as enablers. If volunteers have experience or are interested in Music, Dance, Theatre and The Arts (both creative and technical sides) they have the opportunity to take part in performances with the students and develop and or learn skills in these areas.

Volunteers must be mature, flexible, reliable and adaptable. As all the students have communication problems the volunteers need a good level of English.Male and female, preferably aged 20 +. In order for a volunteer to drive at the project they must be aged 21+ with a current driving licence.

The Centre has accommodation for 24 long-term students at any time and in addition can accommodate several students  who attend their short-term courses. Students stay for three years and are aged 18 to 25. The students come for a weekend or a week and are aged 18 to 45.

All volunteers have their own room, some with en-suite bathrooms. All meals are provided by the project. There is also a kitchen where volunteers can prepare snacks / food.