A local outreach group is looking for volunteers in Atherstone, North Warwickshire and Tamworth to help drive a new community initiative aimed at giving support to disadvantaged children in the area.

'Community Children Count' (CCC) is a community-led group which began to form over the Christmas period.

31 year-old Hannah Nicholls began delivering presents to children from lower-income families in the area, with the help of her partner Thomas, dressed as Father Christmas.

From there their efforts began to gain momentum. The couple teamed up with another volunteer who was also delivering second-hand presents and hampers, and they began to deliver to more families who needed support, as well as those fleeing domestic violence.

They were also asked to deliver food hampers, which they did.

Speaking to Atherstone Nub News Hannah said: "When we did the food hampers, a lot of the community would say they would like to help.

"The feedback was that people absolutely loved that the community was getting involved, so we thought we need to keep getting people involved and see if we can carry this on."

Following the Christmas period, Hannah, her partner and others who had been involved began to think about how they could continue their outreach work without the festive hook.

"Come new year we thought we wanted to keep doing something, but obviously couldn't fit the theme of Christmas so we sat down and had a chat about what we could do."

Hannah, who works in child services, had seen the lack of options for young people in Tamworth and North Warwickshire, realising that something was needed for them to do.

"The kids are so bored, and there is nothing for them to do, especially for families without unlimited funds."

So Community Children Count was born.

Hannah and the rest of the volunteers are now appealing for local people to come forward as 'community teachers' to help run classes, small groups, and outreach programs.

"It can be anybody," says Hannah, "people in the community who are football coaches, dance teachers, tutors.

"The goal is, every volunteer will put in an hour a month, so every week there will be one or two free classes for kids in the community, for parents who can't really afford it, or for kids who are caring at home for their parents, its somewhere they can go to be free, have fun, and the parents haven't got to worry about funds."

So far the group has already recruited maths, English, and foreign language teachers. They also have a volunteer ready to lead meditation groups, as well as programs for autistic children.

Whilst CCC remains in the planning phase, especially given the lockdown situation, some groups will still be able to take place online.

A British Sign Language tutor will be available for potential zoom classes, as will a local chef for group or one to one sessions, over the next couple of weeks.

"Once we have got the zooms up and running, people are more than welcome to get involved, the more the merrier really!"

The long term goal of CCC is that it opens a community centre in Tamworth, to have a dedicated space for young people to gravitate to during their free time.

Until this is possible, organisers are still looking for volunteers. As they become a registered charity they will be able to streamline DBS checks, complete risk assessments and safeguarding also.

Until then however, anybody who may have a skill that they can share with a group of young people can still register their interest.

"It comes down to, we want to make a difference to the kid's lives.

"We want the children to be proud of the community, and that comes from us, that comes from adults and the teachers around putting something together for them to actually be proud of."

Laura Hughes, who works for Power Medics, has signed up as a community teacher with CCC. She said: "When Hannah reached out for local community support for children, Power Medics were thrilled to offer their services.

"Power Medics have trained children in life saving skills for many years, including Schools, Community Groups and Charities. The importance of raising awareness of Defibrillators, Emergency Services support and how to assist those sick or injured remains as needed as ever."

Teacher Sue Marston has also volunteered her time, saying "I am happy to give something back to the community, which I haven't had time to do for a number of years, to support children who have lost learning time due to school closures."

If you are interested in volunteering, or would like some more information, please contact Hannah Nicholls on [email protected] or 07719419914.