Hi Chris, please tell us a bit about yourself: What is your role at Mencap?
I am the Executive Director for Personal Support (England) at Mencap.
I lead the
strategy
A strategy is a plan to show what an organisation, or a person, wants to do and how they are going to do it.
and delivery of personalised support services across England, ensuring high-quality, person-centred care.
As part of the Executive Team, I help shape
organisation
An organisation are a group of people who work together.
-wide strategy and decisions, champion inclusion and wellbeing, and drive improvements in service quality and efficiency.
What was your volunteer role? Did you enjoy it?
My
volunteer
A volunteer is someone who helps out by doing work for free.
role was supporting three young men with learning disabilities to go swimming once a week and then to the pub for a drink afterwards. I absolutely loved it.
It wasn’t just about the activity – it was about creating a sense of normality and inclusion. Watching their confidence grow in the water was amazing; and afterwards in the pub the conversations, the laughter, and the feeling of being part of something social and ordinary were priceless.
It wasn’t just volunteering; it was about building
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 helping people feel valued and connected.
Had you done any volunteering before?
No I had no previous experience Experience is when you have learned or tried something before. at all.
What got you into volunteering? Did you have any prior experience of learning disability?
I actually got into volunteering completely by chance.
I was in between jobs at the time and walking past a volunteering centre I noticed an advert in the window asking for someone to take three men 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. swimming. On the spur of the moment, I thought, “Why not give it a go?”
I had no prior experience of working with people with a learning disability, so it was a leap into the unknown. But I was genuinely impressed by what I learnt about them – their personalities, their sense of humour, and how much they valued
independence
Independence means doing things on your own. Making your own choices.
and social connection.
For me, it was incredibly rewarding and eye-opening, and it’s something that has stayed with me ever since.
The question on everyone’s lips – how did you go from volunteering to where you are now at Mencap?
I started my journey with Mencap, as a volunteer, over 30 years ago. I then applied for a post as a relief worker, and that quickly turned into a full-time
support worker
Support workers are people who are paid to give care and support to people who need it.
role. From there, I progressed into service management and then into more senior operational roles – AOM, ROM, and eventually Operational Director.
Along the way, I also had spells in our Business Development team and served as interim Director of our Quality team.
In 2024, I joined the Executive Team as Executive Director for Personal Support England.
This progression has given me a very broad and comprehensive experience of Mencap – from frontline delivery to strategic leadership, and across operations, quality, and business development. That breadth puts me in good stead for my current role because I understand the organisation from multiple perspectives and know what matters most to the people we support and to our colleagues.
As for why I’ve stayed so long, it goes right back to that first volunteering role. Seeing the difference you can make in someone’s life – whether through a simple swimming trip or through shaping national strategy – is incredibly motivating.
Mencap’s values Values are the things that are important to you. Mencap's values are being passionate, inclusive, brave, positive, and kind. and mission have always resonated with me, and that sense of purpose has kept me here for over three decades.
Is there anything you would like to share with anyone considering volunteering?
I’d say absolutely go for it!
When I first volunteered, I had no experience of learning disability and honestly didn’t know what to expect. What I discovered was the incredible
diversity
Diversity means people from all different cultures and backgrounds.
and richness of personalities among people with learning disabilities – their humour, resilience, and unique perspectives.
You don’t need to be an expert; you just need to be willing to give your time and treat people with respect Respect means showing someone you think about someone's feelings, wishes or rights. .
The rewards are huge – you’ll build real connections, learn new skills, and see the difference you make every time you show up.
Do you volunteer now? Would you consider it?
| Yes, for the past 25 years, I have volunteered as Father Christmas at a local women’s refuge, hosting a party for the children. This has become one of the highlights of my year. It is particularly special when I meet mothers who remember me from their own childhoods, who are now bringing their own children to these events. Additionally, I have provided a disco and been a DJ at Mencap events, including local parties and summer gatherings. I am always open to requests and happy to help! |
We'd like to thank Chris for giving us his time.
What an amazing story!
By Mencap