Volunteering

There are many different roles you can do as a volunteer with Mencap, such as:

• Volunteer directly with people with a learning disability one-to-one or in a group.
• Support Mencap to raise awareness of learning disability through events or campaigning.
• Volunteer in a Mencap charity shop. You can find out how to apply for a volunteering role in one of our shops on our Volunteering site.
• If you have a skill you'd like to share, or an interest in a particular part of our work that you would like to volunteer and support us with email us at [email protected] and we will do our best to find you a suitable volunteering role.

All volunteers at Mencap are asked to agree to our Volunteer Agreement, a document that outlines guidance that will help us to do the best we can to provide you with a safe and enjoyable volunteering experience. 
The agreement tells you what you can expect from us, and what we hope from you. 

Yes, do let us know if you need any support in completing an application form by emailing us at [email protected] - we are very happy to send you an Easy Read offline application form if you would like it. 

To volunteer in a one-to-one role supporting someone with a learning disability you will need to be 18 or over.
For most other roles you will need to be 16 or over. 

In retail, if you are a part of the Duke of Edinburgh volunteering programme, we can accept volunteers aged 14+ with consent from your parent or guardian.

There is no upper age limit for our volunteers.
 

At Mencap, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive charity, where our hope is that everyone feels that they belong, regardless of their differences or background. All Mencap colleagues and volunteers are required to live our values of Passionate, Inclusive, Brave, Kind and Positive in everything they do. 

Please get in touch so we can talk about what roles might suit your skills and any additional support or adjustments you may need.

A DBS check is a Disclosure and Barring Service check and looks at whether you have a criminal record. DBS checks are free for volunteers.

Not all volunteer roles need a DBS check. If your role means you need one, we will discuss it with you.

I have a criminal record, can I still volunteer?

Yes, but you need to tell us when you apply for a volunteer role. You may be asked to complete a DBS check if your role requires it.

If you have a criminal record, we will make a case–by–case decision about whether or not you can volunteer in the role.

Yes! Some of our volunteering opportunities are for one-off events, some are for set amounts of time, but others are flexible.

For regular volunteering we ask for at least 6 months commitment so that you and the person you are supporting can get the most out of the experience.

Volunteering should not affect your benefits, but we suggest you ask for advice from the Job Centre or your employment advisor.

No. Mencap will pay agreed out-of-pocket expenses that you may have whilst volunteering (e.g. for travel, meals or activity costs whilst volunteering).

If you’ll be volunteering directly with someone with a learning disability you will need an informal interview.

For other roles, e.g. in an office or at an event, we may just need a chat about what you will be doing.

If your volunteer role involves supporting people with a learning disability, we will ask you for references. References are not needed if you are volunteering at a one-off event.

Will you provide me with a reference when I have finished volunteering for you?

Yes. You can ask for a reference upon leaving, or after 6 months of volunteering if you need one for a job or college application
 

We hope to have volunteers starting within 4 weeks of application, but sometimes DBS checks and references mean it can take longer. Anyone interested in volunteering can email us directly at [email protected] or search for vacancies in your area. 

Depending on your role, volunteers may be required to complete GDPR, Safeguarding and an Introduction to Volunteering at Mencap. This will be done through our volunteer management system, Assemble or by your Volunteer Manager in person. Some roles will need extra training which will be discussed with you.

For one-off volunteering you will be briefed before your event.
 

You will have a volunteer manager who you can go to for help, support and guidance. Volunteers have access to discounts through the Vivup app after 3 months. Resources are available through our Volunteering site such as bereavement and easy read guides.

You will have regular contact with your volunteer manager.