Bake-Off – Volunteer role Midland Mencap

Who are Midland Mencap? Midland Mencap is a charity which offers 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, feel good and help us achieve our vision.

Purpose of the role? People with a learning disability or additional needs are often isolated and excluded from mainstream leisure and social activities. We believe that EVERYONE has the right to have fun and feel safe. Our organised activity groups give people with additional needs the chance to make friends, enjoy social time together and try out a variety of activities. These fun and friendly groups help to improve physical health and mental wellbeing and increase life skills.

We are looking for friendly volunteers who can support our weekly Bake-Off activity. Citizens join us for a group cooking and baking session in our community centre hall, where they learn to bake biscuits, cakes, tray bakes and much more, to eat and take home. We would love volunteers who can use their baking skills to show our citizens simple recipes they can try, encourage them to take part and ensure everyone has a great time.

What would I be doing?

• Using your baking skills to help our citizens make a variety of biscuits and cakes.
• Helping people to take part in basic cooking and baking activities (measuring ingredients and following recipes).
• 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.

What do I need?

• Basic cooking/baking experience.
• An interest in helping people, being approachable and friendly.
• Good communication skills.
• Accepting of others who might be different to you and the ability to work as part of a diverse team.
• A willingness to learn and work within guidelines set out by Midland Mencap.
• Honesty, integrity and trustworthy.
• Good time management skills, reliability.
• Aged 18+.
• An enhanced DBS check will be required by all successful applicants.

When and where do you need me? The Bake Off session is usually once a week for 2-3 hours (Wednesday mornings 10am-12pm). Ideally you can attend 2-4 times per month at Weoley Castle Community Centre, 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.
• An induction and settling in period.
• 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.
• Support within your role.
• 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 on our website, 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.