Volunteering opportunities with Mencap
Accessible volunteering
We have made ‘
Easy Read
Easy Read is a way of making written information easier to understand. Pictures are usually added next to the writing.
’ documents to help you find out more about volunteering and apply for a role.
Considering volunteering with Mencap?
There are many different ways to volunteer with Mencap and support 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.
.
Mencap volunteers share their experiences and what volunteering means to them
By Mencap
Want to know more about volunteering?
As well as our Easy Read about volunteering, Mencap's Volunteering Team can tell you more about our volunteering opportunities and they would love to hear from you.
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 volunteering@mencap.org.uk 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
Guidance means being given clear instructions to be able to do something well.
that will help us to do the best we can to provide you with a safe and enjoyable volunteering
experience
Experience is when you have learned or tried something before.
.
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
An application form is a form you have to fill in to try to get something.
by emailing us at volunteering@mencap.org.uk - 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
Consent is when you say yes to something, like an operation, or Mencap using your photo for a story. You may have to sign something to say yes. If you can't make your own decisions, someone else can say yes or no for you. They must think about what is right for you.
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
Values are the things that are important to you. Mencap's values are being passionate, inclusive, brave, positive, and kind.
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
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 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
Employment means having a job.
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
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.
.
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 volunteering@mencap.org.uk or search for vacancies in your area.
Depending on your role, volunteers may be required to complete GDPR,
Safeguarding
Keeping people safe from being hurt, abused, or neglected is called Safeguarding.
and an Introduction to Volunteering at Mencap. This will be done through our volunteer management system, Assemble or by your 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.
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.