At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage in creative arts, crafts, and gardening activities with a supportive community.
- Company: Midland Mencap, a charity dedicated to improving lives for those with learning disabilities.
- Benefits: Make a positive impact, develop skills, and meet new people while volunteering.
- Why this job: Join a friendly team and help create fun, inclusive experiences for everyone.
- Qualifications: A passion for creativity and helping others; no experience necessary!
- Other info: Flexible hours, training provided, and travel expenses covered.
- Are you creative?
- Do you have an interest in crafting, painting, photography, textiles or gardening?
Who are Midland Mencap?
Midland Mencap is a charity which works and campaigns for accessible and inclusive services and a better quality of life for everyone with experience of learning disabilities and additional needs.
Volunteering with Midland Mencap is your opportunity to do something really positive, to have a great time, and help us achieve our vision.
Purpose of the role?
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers for our friendly arts and crafts groups at our community centre in Weoley Castle. You will be encouraging our citizens to take part in practical and creative activities to ensure everyone has a great time. You can even use your skills and talents to deliver a new creative session!
This is a great opportunity to volunteer in a friendly, person-centred team, providing fun activities for people with learning disabilities.
What would I be doing?
- Helping people to take part in various arts and crafts activities such as card making, model making, painting, and other creative activities.
- Encouraging people to feel part of the group and take part in the activities.
- Helping to set up equipment and tidy away at the end of the session.
- Helping to maintain a safe and welcoming environment.
Art Club is an art class where attendees learn new techniques and get experience of fine art mediums and materials in an inclusive format.
Gardening & Upcycling involves supporting attendees to engage with growing projects in our small garden, and giving life to old objects in a creative way!
Crafty Afternoons is a relaxed craft group where attendees have fun with materials to produce mini projects and one-off items to take home.
What do I need?
- An interest in helping people, being approachable and friendly
- Any creative skills or interests would be amazing, but not essential.
- Accepting of people who may be different to you.
- A flexible and responsible attitude
- Happy to chat
- Willing to learn and act within guidelines set out by Midland Mencap
- Good time management skills, reliability, independence
- Aged 18+
- An enhanced DBS check will be required by all successful applicants
When and where do you need me?
- Gardening (Tuesdays 1-2pm)
- Art Club (Wednesdays 1-2.30pm)
- Crafty Afternoons (Thursdays 1-2.30pm)
Please note activity times/days can change throughout the year!
You can choose which sessions you’d like to attend, but ideally once a week.
Weoley Castle Community Hub, Bottetourt Rd, Birmingham B29 5TE
What’s in it for me?
As one of our valued volunteers, Midland Mencap will offer you:
- The opportunity to make a difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities and their family carers
- Improved health and wellbeing from doing positive activities
- A volunteering preparation session
- An induction and settling in period and any training and development that is needed
- The chance to develop your skills and gain experience
- The opportunity to meet new people and be part of a diverse team
- Any out-of-pocket travel expenses
- Lots of appreciation for your amazing contribution
What to do if you’re interested?
Download and complete the Volunteering application form here.
Email the completed application form to volunteering@midlandmencap.org.uk.
For more information or an informal chat, call 0121 442 2944 and speak to someone about how volunteering could work for you.
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Arts, Crafts & Gardening Volunteer employer: Midland Mencap
Contact Detail:
Midland Mencap Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Arts, Crafts & Gardening Volunteer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Before you apply, do a bit of research on Midland Mencap. Understanding their mission and values will help you connect better during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! Since this role is all about arts and crafts, think of ways to demonstrate your creative skills. Whether it’s bringing a portfolio of your work or sharing ideas for new activities, let your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Be yourself! When you get the chance to chat with the team, be open and friendly. They’re looking for someone who can connect with the community, so don’t be afraid to show your personality and enthusiasm for helping others.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get your application in front of the right people. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen to join the team at Midland Mencap. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Arts, Crafts & Gardening Volunteer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Creativity: Since this role is all about arts and crafts, let your creative side shine through in your application! Share any relevant experiences or projects you've worked on that showcase your skills and passion for crafting.
Be Person-Centred: Remember, this role is about helping others. Highlight your friendly and approachable nature in your application. Talk about any previous experiences where you’ve supported or encouraged others, especially in a group setting.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to read the job description carefully and tailor your application to match what Midland Mencap is looking for. Use keywords from the description to show that you understand the role and are genuinely interested.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s super easy! Just download the application form, fill it out, and send it over to us at volunteering@midlandmencap.org.uk. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Midland Mencap
✨Show Your Creative Side
Since the role is all about arts, crafts, and gardening, make sure to showcase your creative skills during the interview. Bring along examples of your work or ideas for activities you could lead. This will demonstrate your passion and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Know Midland Mencap
Do a bit of homework on Midland Mencap before your interview. Understand their mission and the communities they serve. Being able to discuss how your values align with theirs will show that you're genuinely interested in making a positive impact.
✨Be Approachable and Friendly
The role requires a friendly and approachable attitude, so be sure to convey this in your interview. Smile, maintain eye contact, and engage warmly with your interviewers. This will help them see you as someone who can connect well with the citizens you'll be working with.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the types of activities you might lead or how the team supports each other. It shows that you're proactive and genuinely interested in the role and the organisation.