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- Tasks: Support a lovely gentleman with companionship and engaging activities.
- Company: Join Mencap, the leading charity for learning disabilities in the UK.
- Benefits: Receive training, support, and reimbursement for expenses while making a difference.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in someone's life while developing your skills and meeting new people.
- Qualifications: Be friendly, reliable, and passionate about supporting those with learning disabilities.
- Other info: Flexible visits, creative activities, and a chance to build meaningful connections.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
In this role, you will be supporting a lovely gentleman in his early 80s living in South Norwood. He is a keen drawer, gardener and chocolate-eater. His speech sometimes requires patience to understand, but his chattiness and lively sense of humour thrive with a calm, friendly and kind visitor. He would love to have you stop by for a cuppa, to watch the football with him and perhaps, in time, head out to a pub or café.
We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities, matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year to create a 1-2-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage people to do the things they enjoy and check‑in on their wellbeing. In many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.
This is a Stop and stay, let’s get busy visitor role which means the person you will be visiting can communicate actively with you and take part in choosing or planning activities. As you get to know each other you may choose to ‘go out’ either with or without support from the staff that supports the person you visit. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions for things you can do. Visits will vary in length but tend to be around an hour or longer, depending on what you do.
In this role you will spend quality time with the person you visit and could do a range of different activities like:
- Sitting and having a chat
- Checking in on their well-being
- Going out to a local café/pub for a meal/drink
- Enjoying a walk
- A craft activity at home
- Reading a book/magazine together
As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:
- Friendly and approachable
- Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
- Reliable and patient
- Passionate about supporting people with a learning disability.
As a Mencap visitor you will:
- Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit
- Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training
- Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed
- Get ongoing support, and feel appreciated and valued
About Mencap: Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives. Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.
If you have questions about volunteering with Mencap, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us: volunteering@mencap.org.uk
Mencap Visiting Service Volunteer employer: Royal Mencap Society
Contact Detail:
Royal Mencap Society Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Mencap Visiting Service Volunteer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the person you’ll be visiting before your first meet-up. A quick chat over the phone or a message can help break the ice and make both of you feel more comfortable. Plus, it shows that you’re genuinely interested in their hobbies and interests!
✨Tip Number 2
Be prepared to adapt your plans based on how your visitor is feeling. Sometimes they might want to chat, while other times they might prefer a quiet activity. Flexibility is key to building that strong connection!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t hesitate to ask your volunteer manager for ideas on activities. They’ve got loads of suggestions up their sleeve that can help you create memorable experiences together. It’s all about making those visits enjoyable!
✨Tip Number 4
Remember, it’s not just about the activities; it’s about being there for your visitor. Your presence can make a huge difference in their life, so bring your friendly vibe and enjoy the time spent together. And hey, if you’re keen to get involved, apply through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Mencap Visiting Service Volunteer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your interests and what makes you tick.
Show Your Passion: Make sure to highlight why you’re passionate about supporting people with learning disabilities. Share any relevant experiences or skills that make you a great fit for this role!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to read through the job description and match your skills and experiences to what we’re looking for. A tailored application shows us you’re genuinely interested in the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s super easy and ensures your application gets to the right place quickly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Mencap Society
✨Know Your Role
Familiarise yourself with the specifics of the Mencap Visiting Service Volunteer role. Understand the importance of companionship and how your presence can positively impact someone's life. Be ready to discuss how your skills and interests align with supporting someone who has a learning disability.
✨Show Your Personality
This role is all about building a connection, so let your friendly and approachable nature shine through in the interview. Share personal anecdotes that highlight your patience, reliability, and passion for helping others. Remember, they want to see the real you!
✨Prepare Activity Ideas
Think of a few engaging activities you could do with the gentleman you'll be visiting. Whether it's drawing, gardening, or simply enjoying a cuppa while watching football, having some ideas ready will show your enthusiasm and readiness to create meaningful experiences.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask during the interview that demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the people you'll be supporting. Inquire about the training process, the types of activities previous volunteers have enjoyed, or how to best communicate with someone who may have speech difficulties.
