At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with disabilities in fun, inclusive activities and create a welcoming environment.
- Company: Midland Mencap, a charity dedicated to improving lives for those with learning disabilities.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, make a difference, and enhance your CV while volunteering.
- Other info: Ideal for those considering a career in child support or care services.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping children feel included and have fun.
- Qualifications: Creativity, patience, good communication skills, and a friendly approach.
Are you always ready with a smile? Do you have an interest in working with children?
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? Children with a learning disability, Autism 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 play schemes and short break services give children and young people with additional needs the chance to make friends and try out a variety of activities.
What would I be doing?
- Supporting children and young people with disabilities to take part in sessions.
- Encouraging children to get involved and have fun.
- Helping to facilitate a range of creative and fun, inclusive activities.
- Helping to set up equipment and tidy away at the end of the session.
- Helping to maintain a safe and welcoming environment.
This role might suit someone considering a career in child support or care services and looking for practical experience as part of a school/college/university course.
What do I need?
- Creativity and patience
- Willingness to get involved and play
- 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
An enhanced DBS check will be required by all successful applicants.
When and where do you need me? Ideally you can attend a minimum of 1 session per week. When we hold weekend sessions (Saturday).
Children’s Play Scheme Helper (Sutton Coldfield) – Volunteer Role employer: Midland Mencap
Contact Detail:
Midland Mencap Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Children’s Play Scheme Helper (Sutton Coldfield) – Volunteer Role
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Midland Mencap and their mission. Understanding their values will help you connect with them during your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former volunteers at Midland Mencap. They can give you insider tips on what to expect and how to stand out during your volunteering experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated creativity, patience, and teamwork. These stories will help you shine when discussing your suitability for the role.
✨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 tech-savvy and serious about joining the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Children’s Play Scheme Helper (Sutton Coldfield) – Volunteer Role
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for working with children! Share any relevant experiences or interests that highlight your love for helping others, especially those with additional needs.
Be Yourself: We want to know the real you! Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Being approachable and friendly is key for this role, so show us how you connect with others.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Make sure to mention any skills that align with what we’re looking for, like creativity, patience, and good communication. These are essential for creating a fun and inclusive environment for the children.
Apply Through Our Website: Ready to take the plunge? We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into our hands quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Midland Mencap
✨Show Your Passion for Working with Children
Make sure to express your genuine interest in working with children during the interview. Share any relevant experiences, whether it's babysitting, volunteering, or even just playing with younger siblings. This will show that you’re not just looking for any role, but that you truly care about making a difference in children's lives.
✨Demonstrate Your Creativity
Since the role involves facilitating fun and inclusive activities, come prepared with a few creative ideas for games or activities you could lead. This will not only showcase your creativity but also your proactive approach to engaging with the children.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
Working as part of a diverse team is crucial in this role. Be ready to discuss examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in the past. This could be from school projects, group activities, or any volunteer work. Emphasising your ability to work well with different personalities will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare thoughtful questions about the play scheme and the children you'll be working with. Asking about the types of activities they run or how they ensure a safe environment shows your commitment and eagerness to learn more about the organisation and its values.