At a Glance
- Tasks: Check in on a gentleman with a learning disability and provide friendly company.
- Company: Mencap, the leading charity for learning disabilities in the UK.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, receive training, and have expenses reimbursed.
- Other info: Join a dedicated team and meet new people while volunteering.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in someone's life while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Kindness, reliability, and a passion for supporting others.
Are you someone who enjoys a good chat and making sure others are doing okay? We’re looking for a kind and reliable volunteer to check in on a gentleman with a learning disability every couple of months. These visits are informal and relaxed—just a friendly catch‑up to see how he’s doing and offer a bit of company.
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 typically visit six times a year. 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 Check‑in visit role; visits are short, averaging 30 minutes or less. Some people we support may be unable to communicate with words, and sometimes the person may choose not to meet with their visitor. Your visit is nevertheless very important.
Typical activities during a visit include:
- Checking in on the person’s well‑being and speaking to support staff for updates on how they are doing
- Bringing a treat that the person enjoys, such as chocolates or fruit
- Providing sensory experiences with items that stimulate the senses to help create a sense of connection
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
If you have questions about volunteering with Mencap, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us: volunteering@mencap.org.uk
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.
