At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in delivering creative arts workshops and support participants in their artistic journeys.
- Company: Midland Mencap, a charity dedicated to improving lives for those with learning disabilities.
- Benefits: Make a difference, gain experience, meet new people, and enhance your CV.
- Other info: Volunteer sessions on Tuesdays and Fridays at Weoley Castle Community Centre.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant team and help enrich lives through creativity and the arts.
- Qualifications: Friendly, patient, and willing to learn; experience in arts is a plus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 28000 £ per year.
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?
People with a physical or learning disability are often excluded from mainstream social groups and activities and may find it difficult to access fun things to do. Midland Mencap provides accessible and affordable activities in safe environments for adults with learning disabilities, their families and carers.
We need volunteers to assist our team in delivering workshops based around music and the arts to enrich citizens’ lives and help encourage creativity and engagement with the arts across the region. This is a very “hands-on” role, and you will enjoy lots of interaction with our citizens and staff.
What would I be doing?
- A Journey Through Music: Help support our Creative Lead with encouraging participants in their reading and comprehension of a wide and eclectic range of song lyrics, while helping to encourage their participation in fun discussions about what they like and think about the music they journey through. Volunteers will help encourage the participants in their own lyrical & musical journey, fully supported by our Creative Lead. It would be great if you were able to join in with singing too, but this is not essential; a love of music and performance would be helpful. Other tasks will be required, like helping set up and close the sessions e.g., setting up tables and chairs, moving and handling session resources and supporting the group with local community trips to cultural arts venues, or recording studios.
- Creative Minds: Help support our Creative Lead in engaging our participants to explore their own creative minds. We do this through the exploration of creative arts, from poetry to classic and contemporary art, to different genres of music, like rap! We are looking for volunteers who also have creative minds, who would enjoy helping support our participants to explore the world of art, which leads to the creation and exhibition of their own art, from poetry to arts-and-crafts and drama, or a combination of it all! Other tasks will be required to support the session, with 1:1, or small group breakout group tasks, helping to capture people’s ideas through scribing and helping set up and close the sessions as well as supporting the group with local community trips to cultural arts venues.
What do I need?
- To be a volunteer you need to be:
- Friendly
- Calm and patient
- Experience in creative arts and music would be nice but not essential!
- Accepting of people who may be different to you
- Happy to chat
- Willing to learn and act within guidelines set out by Midland Mencap
- Aged 18+
- An enhanced DBS check will be required by all successful applicants.
When and where do you need me?
10am – 12.00pm Tuesday and Friday (you can volunteer at one or both sessions) Weoley Castle Community Centre, Bottetourt Rd, Birmingham B29 5TE
What’s in it for me?
- The opportunity to make a difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities
- 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
- Positive wellbeing from doing something great
- Improve career opportunities by adding your volunteer role to a CV
What to do if you’re interested?
Download and complete the Volunteering application form here. Email the completed application form to For more information or an informal chat, call and speak to someone about how volunteering could work for you.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Creative Arts Sessions – Volunteer role Midland Mencap
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Creative Arts Sessions – Volunteer role Midland Mencap
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Midland Mencap, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Midland Mencap.
How to prepare for a job interview at Midland Mencap
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Midland Mencap and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!