About the Mencap Visiting Service (MVS)
When you think of volunteering, you might imagine giving your time to help others. But with Mencap Visiting Service A service gives people what they need, like healthcare services that help people when they are ill, and support services that give people support. , it’s also about building lasting friendships and sharing joyful experiences.
The Mencap Visiting Service (MVS) was set up to tackle loneliness and social isolation experienced by many people with a learning disability A learning disability is to do with the way someone's brain works. It makes it harder for someone to learn, understand or do things. . The service matches people with trained volunteer befrienders who offer regular companionship, support and meaningful social connection, based on shared interests and choice. By spending time together, whether that’s going for a walk, having a coffee, or enjoying a hobby the Visiting Service helps people build confidence, feel valued and stay connected to their community A community is the people and places in an area. , as well as offering a unique opportunity to build meaningful friendships and make a lasting difference in someone’s life.
Meet Robin and Ronnie
Robin and Ronnie have known each other since 2020, and their bond is a beautiful example of what volunteering can become.
Mencap Visitor Volunteer Ronnie visits Robin regularly, and together they explore local museums, enjoy lunches out, and catch up over coffee. It’s not just about the outings - it’s about connection.
“We go to different places, go to museums… I enjoy going,” says Robin with a smile.
Ronnie adds, “Robin normally decides what we want to do. He amazes me with his local knowledge Knowledge is knowing a lot about something. and experiences. He’s a really good chap to spend time with.”
Robin and Ronnie's story shows that volunteering isn’t just about giving - it’s about sharing, learning, and growing together.
Whether it’s a simple coffee or a day trip, these moments matter.
Watch our video about the Mencap Visiting Service
In our video you'll hear from Ronnie and how rewarding she finds her volunteering role, you'll also get to meet Robin who tells us how much he enjoys Ronnie's visits.
The video also features Phillipa who talks about how much the Mencap Visiting Service has benefited her son Simon.
Why the Mencap Visitor Service matters to families
Philippa Russell, whose son Simon has a learning disability, explains the deeper impact of the service:
“We wanted to be confident that Simon had friends who would stay in touch, remember his birthday, and be there for him. Mencap finds those people—and they become real friends.”
She adds: “The visiting service gives us fun, friendship, and a safety net. That’s a very good thing.”
Inspired to become a Mencap volunteer?
Whether you’re looking to give back, build new connections, or simply spend time doing something meaningful, the Mencap Visitor Service could be the perfect fit.
Volunteers like Ronnie help create joyful moments and lasting
relationships
Relationships are about the people in your life. You might have different types of relationships like friendships, family relationships, or a boyfriend or girlfriend.
- and you can too.
Volunteering Easy Read
We have created and Easy Read Easy Read is a way of making written information easier to understand. Pictures are usually added next to the writing. about Mencap volunteering for anyone with a learning disability who is interested in making new friends and gaining new skills.
By Mencap