Mencap Volunteer Visitor (Check in and chat. Bognor Regis)

We support a woman in her 60s who would like a volunteer visitor to pop in for a chat. She likes watching TV game shows, Wimbledon tennis, having her nails painted and perhaps a gentle hand massage. She is a quiet and reserved person and she will need time and your patience for her to get to know you. If you are someone with experience of supporting people with autism this could be a good role for you. Visits will be in her home, and there is always support staff around if you have any questions.

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 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.

If you have questions about volunteering with Mencap, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us: [email protected]