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 and, in many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.
This role will involve visiting an older gentleman in his home in Epsom. He absolutely loves Maltesers, so bringing him this special treat is a special part of the visit for him! This visit will involve sitting with him and chatting to him and his staff to see how he is doing, either in the living room or outside in the garden in the summertime.
He visits a day centre or goes out for activities on Monday afternoons, Tuesday mornings, and Friday afternoons, but otherwise is flexible around what time you can visit.
This is a Check in visit role, meaning that your visits are likely to be short - on average 30 minutes or less. Some of the people we visit may be unable to communicate with words. Sometimes the person might choose not to meet with their visitor. Your visit is however very important, and these are some of the things you could be doing on a visit:
Checking in on their well-being and speak to support staff to get an update on how the person is doing
You might be able to bring a treat that the person enjoys, like chocolates or fruit.
Some people we support enjoy sensory experiences so items that will stimulate their senses can also help you create a sense of connection with the person you visit. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions.
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.
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