About the Role
We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year to create a 1-2-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage people to do the things they enjoy and check-in on their wellbeing. In many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.
We are looking for a volunteer to visit a fun lady in her early 70s, who loves to the local pub for lunch. She is very chatty, and really enjoys a natter over a sandwich and cup of tea as a treat! These visits will take around 1-1.5 hours and usually involve simply going out for lunch and coming home, but sometimes if she doesn't fancy it you'll spend your visit just catching up and having a chat in the living room. She struggles with her balance and mobility, so ideally you will have a car so you can drive her the short journey to the pub and home. She would ideally prefer a female visitor, so we especially welcome applications from women.
This is an Out and about visit role which means your visits are likely to be longer, very active and the person you visit will often take an active part in planning your outings and activities in the community. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions for things you can do. Visits will vary in length but tends to be around a couple of hours, sometimes shorter or longer, depending on what you plan to do.
In this role you will spend quality time with the person you visit and could do a range of different activities like:
Sitting and having a chat
Checking in on their well- being
Going out to a local café/pub for a meal/drink
Take part on community activities like visiting a place of interest, go shopping etc.
Enjoying a walk
A craft activity at home
As a Mencap visitor you will:
Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit
Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training
Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed
Meet new people
Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued
If you are interested in applying for this role, please use the following link: https://volunteering.mencap.org.uk/opportunities/104430-mencap-volunteer-visitor-lunch-and-laughs-mitcham-2026-01-05
Benefits
As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:
Friendly and approachable
Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
Reliable and patient
Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.