Over the Wall

Who we are

Who We Are

Over The Wall is a national UK children’s charity and a member of the international SeriousFun Children’s Network. We provide free of charge Therapeutic Recreation camps to help children with life-limiting illnesses and their families reach beyond the perceived limitations of illness to rediscover a whole new world of possibilities. Through participation in a proven programme of fun-filled recreational and educational activities, our camps help promote inclusion whilst developing the confidence, self-esteem, coping strategies and peer relationships of all our campers.

We give children one glorious week of experiences that are memorable, exciting, fun and empowering, in a physically safe and medically sound environment.

Our History

Over the Wall is a national UK children’s charity, officially founded in 1999 by UK businessman, Joe Woods, at the request of his friend, the late oscar winning actor, racing car driver, businessman and philanthropist, Paul Newman.

Prior to this Joe had organised, along with Richard Branson, for children living with cancer to fly and participate annually at Paul Newman’s inspirational Hole in the Wall Camp in Connecticut, the first of what is now a network of camps throughout the world.

Where we are going

There are many thousands of seriously ill children in the UK who could benefit from our camps. Our aim is to provide places for as many of those children as possible. Our venues are located across the South, the Midlands and Scotland, providing the best national coverage possible. Find our 2016-2020 Strategic Outcomes here.

Where are the Camps?

We run camps throughout the UK with high quality accommodation and our quality care standards are second to none with a team of Paediatric Doctors and Specialist Nurses running our unobtrusive ‘Beach Patrol’. We have camps located in the south (Dorset & Wiltshire) the Midlands (Staffordshire) and Scotland (Perthshire and Fife.)

Volunteer with us to change lives- including your own.

Each year we need over 700 fantastic Volunteers to create an unforgettable Camp experience for children with serious illnesses and their families. Our Volunteers are vital in helping our Campers to create lasting memories, try new activities, and rebuild their confidence.

If you would like the opportunity to join the OTW community, make new friends, develop a range of skills and make a real, positive impact on the life of a child affected by serious illness, then we want to hear from you.

WHAT YOU’LL GAIN BY VOLUNTEERING WITH US

• You’ll participate in a unique and unforgettable experience.
• You’ll meet fantastic new people
• You’ll work for a brilliant cause with a reputable national organisation
• You’ll develop and strengthen your:
• Team Working Skills
• Time Management
• Organisation
• Creativity
• Confidence & Leadership
• Communication Skills