Mencap Volunteer Visitor (Quickly Stop By – St Kew Highway, Bodmin)

Do you have a friendly and enthusiastic attitude? Can you spare a little time just 6 times a year? Then you can make MASSIVE difference to a person with a learning disability.

We support a very active, excitable, and welcoming gentleman in his 60s. We are looking for a volunteer to visit him in his home.

This gentleman has complex learning disabilities so experience in this area would be beneficial but not essential. He does not communicate verbally, but loves to interact with people in his facial expressions, and body language. He will also lead you to things that he wants.

He loves visitors and will be thrilled to show you around his home (that is covered in purple - his favourite colour)!

He lives in supported accommodation, with an excellent care team who will make sure that you are comfortable when getting to know him.

Visits will not be long (around 45 mins) and are only every other month. This is an ideal role for someone who wants to make a difference but does not have much time to spare.

Do give this gentleman a chance, he can't wait to meet you!

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 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 • Enjoying a walk • 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

Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.