At a Glance
- Tasks: Spend quality time with a gentleman, chatting and engaging in activities he enjoys.
- Company: Mencap is the leading charity supporting people with learning disabilities across the UK.
- Benefits: Receive training, support, and reimbursement for expenses while making a real difference.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help improve someone's life through companionship and fun activities.
- Qualifications: Be friendly, reliable, and patient; no prior experience needed.
- Other info: Flexible commitment of just six visits a year, perfect for students!
Mencap Volunteer Visitor (Pop in for a chat – Sidcup, Kent)
- Mencap Volunteer Visitor (Pop in for a chat – Sidcup, Kent)
Job Advert
We support a lovely gentleman who would enjoy and appreciate your company, a good chat and a cuppa for an hour once every two month. He is in his 70\’s and lives in his own flat in a supported residential home in Sidcup, Kent.
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 our 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 tends 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 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 on-going 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
Apply here:https://volunteering.mencap.org.uk/opportunities/92612-mencap-volunteer-visitor-pop-in-for-a-chat-sidcup-kent-2025-07-03
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 on-going 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.
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Mencap Volunteer Visitor (Pop in for a chat - Sidcup, Kent) employer: Royal Mencap Society
Contact Detail:
Royal Mencap Society Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Mencap Volunteer Visitor (Pop in for a chat - Sidcup, Kent)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Mencap's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to supporting individuals with learning disabilities will help you connect better with the role and demonstrate your passion during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Think about your own experiences with volunteering or working with diverse groups. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your friendly, approachable nature and your ability to be patient and reliable.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare some ideas for activities you could do with the person you'll be visiting. This shows initiative and enthusiasm, and it can spark a conversation about how you can make a positive impact in their life.
✨Tip Number 4
Reach out to current volunteers or staff at Mencap if possible. They can provide insights into the role and the organisation, which can help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Mencap Volunteer Visitor (Pop in for a chat - Sidcup, Kent)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand what Mencap is looking for in a volunteer visitor. Pay attention to the qualities they value, such as being friendly, reliable, and patient.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience you have, especially in volunteering or working with individuals with learning disabilities. Emphasise your interpersonal skills and any previous roles that demonstrate your ability to connect with others.
Craft a Personal Statement: Write a personal statement that reflects your passion for supporting people with learning disabilities. Share why you want to volunteer with Mencap and how you can make a positive impact on the life of the person you will be visiting.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread it for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application shows attention to detail and professionalism, which is important for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Mencap Society
✨Show Your Passion for Volunteering
Make sure to express your genuine interest in volunteering and supporting individuals with learning disabilities. Share any previous experiences you have had in similar roles or how you believe your presence can positively impact someone's life.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves chatting and engaging with someone, highlight your ability to communicate effectively. You might want to share examples of how you've successfully interacted with people from diverse backgrounds or those who may have different needs.
✨Be Prepared to Discuss Activities
Think about potential activities you could do with the person you'll be visiting. Whether it's going for a walk, enjoying a cup of tea, or doing a craft, having ideas ready shows that you're proactive and committed to making the visits enjoyable.
✨Emphasise Reliability and Patience
This role requires a dependable and patient individual. Be ready to discuss situations where you've demonstrated these qualities, especially in challenging circumstances, to reassure the interviewers that you can provide consistent support.