At a Glance
- Tasks: Use your baking skills to help others create delicious treats and foster friendships.
- Company: Join Midland Mencap, a charity dedicated to supporting individuals with learning disabilities.
- Benefits: Make a positive impact, gain experience, and meet new people while volunteering.
- Other info: Flexible hours, training provided, and travel expenses covered.
- Why this job: Be part of a fun, inclusive environment that promotes social interaction and wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Basic baking skills, friendly attitude, and a passion for helping others.
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.
Bake-Off – Volunteer role Midland Mencap in Birmingham employer: Midland Mencap
Contact Detail:
Midland Mencap Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bake-Off – Volunteer role Midland Mencap in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Midland Mencap! Familiarise yourself with their mission and values. This will help you connect better during your volunteering sessions and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive! Don’t wait for instructions; jump in and help out wherever you can. Whether it’s setting up the baking area or encouraging participants, showing initiative will make you stand out as a valuable volunteer.
✨Tip Number 3
Use your baking skills creatively! Share fun recipes and tips that can engage everyone. The more enjoyable the experience, the more likely participants will feel included and excited about baking.
✨Tip Number 4
Connect with other volunteers! Building relationships with your fellow volunteers can enhance your experience and create a supportive environment for everyone involved. Plus, it’s a great way to learn from each other!
We think you need these skills to ace Bake-Off – Volunteer role Midland Mencap in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for baking and helping others shine through in your application. Share any relevant experiences or skills that make you a great fit for the Bake-Off role!
Be Yourself: We want to know the real you! Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your writing. Being approachable and friendly is key, so show us how you connect with others.
Follow Instructions: Make sure to read the application instructions carefully. Fill out the form completely and send it to the right email address. We love it when applicants pay attention to detail!
Ask Questions: If you're unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to reach out! Give us a call or drop an email for a chat. We’re here to help you understand the role and make your application as strong as possible.
How to prepare for a job interview at Midland Mencap
✨Know Your Baking Basics
Brush up on your baking skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss your favourite recipes and any experiences you've had in a baking environment. This will show your passion for the role and help you connect with the team.
✨Show Your Friendly Side
Since this role is all about supporting people, make sure to highlight your approachable nature. Share examples of how you've helped others in the past, whether in a baking context or otherwise, to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Understand Midland Mencap's Mission
Familiarise yourself with Midland Mencap’s vision and values. Being able to articulate why you want to volunteer with them and how you align with their mission will impress the interviewers and show your commitment.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of some thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the Bake-Off sessions, the types of recipes you'll be using, or how they support volunteers. It shows you're genuinely interested and engaged.