We are looking for a volunteer who knows how to do basic knitting.
The situation with lockdown and the Coronavirus crisis has meant that a lot of the people we support are more isolated than before. Some are unable to get out and about and may only see other people they live with, if they live with anyone at all.
We are looking to recruit a volunteer who can knit to develop a friendly relationship with a 70 year-old lady near the Lostwithiel area of Cornwall. This will start as a penpal-style relationship, where you will write and post easy-to-read letters, notes, card etc to her, including a picture of yourself and other relevant parts of your life (eg. your dog, your favourite places etc). After 3/4 letters, you will call her on the phone once a month to chat about how she is, chat about knitting her interests and your letters and anything else that comes up, as part of a telephone befriending service.
When we are out of lockdown fully and she is safe to receive visitors, you will then visit her at home once every other month, to total 6 visits per year. This is usually how the Mencap Visiting Service (MVS) operates under normal conditions. Your letters and calls will help to build the relationship before you are able to visit.
The Mencap visiting service was launched in 1963 and was designed to be a befriending service to adults with a learning disability for after their parents pass away.
For more information please read the volunteer role profile.
To apply, you will first need to register to use the Mencap recruitment system. Once logged in, you will then need to click the "apply" button, and fill in our 1 page application form.
Alternatively, you can apply by downloading and filling in the form from the "Additional Information" button at the bottom of the page. Please then email your completed form to alex.hawkey@mencap.org.uk so it can be processed.