Volunteer Van Driver for Inclusive Parkride Bike Sessions in Birmingham

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 help us achieve our vision.

Purpose of the role?

Many people struggle to enjoy cycling, and some families often find the cost of adapted bikes mean that they cannot share fun times together.

Parkride is a fun and flexible inclusive cycling project using a range of adapted and standard bikes that provides anyone, regardless of age, ability or need, with the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors through cycling.

We require a volunteer van driver to help us deliver our custom-made bikes and trikes to locations such as parks and community centres around the West Midlands.

We’ve got the van, we just need you!

What would I be doing?

• You will be a vital link between us and the families we support, helping us to get the team and bikes to where they’re needed for arranged sessions.
• You’ll be the friendly face of Parkride, interacting with the families and ensuring the bikes are kept safe and secure whilst the team are out riding.
• Working with staff to load/unload the van before and after sessions.
• The van stays at the session location until the end, so you may wish to get involved in supporting the cycling too

What do I need?

• Minimum age 25
• Experience of driving a large van with a suitable driving licence
• A full and clean driving licence (held for a minimum of 5 years)
• Some lifting will be required and so a basic level of fitness is needed.
• Being approachable and friendly with 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
• An enhanced DBS check will be required by all successful applicants

When and where do you need me?

• The van is based at our head office in Woodgate Valley – B32 3BZ
• We have several parkride sessions running throughout the week including evenings and weekends. Sessions vary from 2-4 hours (plus travel)
• We run sessions throughout the Midlands, including Birmingham (all areas), Walsall, Dudley, Sandwell, Coventry, Worcester and Wolverhampton. You can choose which sessions you wish to attend
• All sessions are weather dependent; however, we only cancel sessions in extreme weather. We would advise having a warm waterproof coat and suitable shoes

What’s in it for me?

• The opportunity to make a difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities and their family carers
• Improved physical and mental wellbeing from keeping active
• 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
• Agreed 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.