About the Role
We’re looking for a patient and kind volunteer to support an active and energetic man in Streatham. He’ll take some time to get to know you, so you’re first few visits will likely be spent going for walks around the local area with a member of his support team. This gentleman is non-verbal and will communicate with you through sounds, gestures and movements.
He takes a little while to warm up to new people, so you will need to be patient while he takes his time becoming comfortable with you. It would be great if his new volunteer had some experience with people with learning disabilities, though this isn’t at all necessary as long as you have a positive attitude. It’s important to know that his care team would always be on hand, and that his not-so-secret kryptonite is chocolate!
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.
This is a Stop and Stay visit role, meaning that the person you’ll be visiting might have some verbal communication skills or they use sounds and/or facial/body expressions to communicate with you. The person you visit might choose to take part in simple activities or watch you doing the activities. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions for things you can do. Visits will vary in length but tend to be around half an hour to an hour long.
Watch a video about this role https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4cDUov2esI
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
A craft activity at home
Reading a book/magazine together
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