Volunteering with Mencap
Volunteering with Mencap
What will I do as a volunteer with Mencap?
There are many different roles you can do as a volunteer:
- Volunteer in a charity shop
- Campaign or help with training sessions
- Support people with a learning disability
- Help at events
- Help in the office
...and lots more!
How old do I need to be to become a volunteer?
For most roles you need to be over 16 years old.
You will need to be over 18 years old if you are volunteering with a person with a learning disability one-to-one.
Can I get support to volunteer?
Yes.
Please get in touch so we can talk about what roles might suit your skills and any extra support you may need.
I don't have much time - can I still volunteer?
Yes.
The length of time depends on which role you are doing.
Some are just one day, some are every week.
Will volunteering affect my benefits?
Volunteering should not affect your benefits.
If you have an
employment
Employment means having a job.
advisor you could ask them for advice.
Will volunteering cost me money?
No.
We will pay agreed out-of-pocket costs that you may have while volunteering.
If you have to spend money for travel or meals we can give you the money back.
How do I apply to be a volunteer?
1. Online, using our online volunteering system
2. Easy-read paper application contact volunteering@mencap.org.uk for an easy-read
application form
An application form is a form you have to fill in to try to get something.
.
Will I have to do an interview?
Usually we will invite you in for a short chat about the volunteer role.
Not all volunteer roles need an
interview
An interview is a meeting where you talk to someone or a group of people about something. When you have an interview for a job, you have to answer questions and say why you would be good at the job. The person who gives the best answers is offered the job.
.
If you are helping at an event we may just call you to tell you more about it.
Will I need to give references?
Some roles will need references and some won't.
We will let you know if references are needed and we will give you time to get them.
What is a DBS check?
A
DBS check
A DBS check is a Disclosure and Barring Service check that looks to see if you have a criminal record.
is a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
It looks at whether you have a criminal record.
Will I need a DBS check?
It is not needed for all volunteer roles.
If you need one we can help you with it.
This does not cost anything.
I have a criminal record can I still volunteer?
Yes.
But if you want to volunteer in a role which needs a DBS check, you will need to tell us when you apply.
We will make a case by case decision about whether or not you can volunteer in this role.
If I apply will I definitely become a volunteer?
We will look at your skills to make sure you are a good match for the volunteer role.
If we feel it is not the right role for you, we will try to suggest another role.
How long will it be from when I apply to when I start volunteering?
We hope volunteers can start within 4 weeks of application, but sometimes DBS checks and references mean it can take longer.
What training will I get as a volunteer?
You will have an
induction
An induction is when someone shows you where things are and what you need to know. You will get an induction if you start a new job at Mencap.
session with the team you are volunteering in.
This will tell you more about your role and what is expected of you.
What support will I get?
You will have a volunteer
manager
A manager is a boss at work. They tell you what you need to do and give you support if you need it.
who you can go to for help, support and
guidance
Guidance means being given clear instructions to be able to do something well.
.
You will have regular contact with this manager.
Can I get a reference when I finish volunteering?
Yes.
You may ask for a reference or certificate of achievement upon leaving, or sooner if you need one for a job or college application.
Who should I contact if I have more questions about volunteering with Mencap?
Call: 01543 545002
Email: volunteering@mencap.org.uk
