Volunteer Visitor (Bus Adventures & Friendship – Margate)

Organisation: Royal Mencap Society
Hours required: Flexible
Age: 18+
Area: Margate area, Thanet area
Postcode: CT9 3NR
Address: 51 The Street

Apply at: https://volunteering.mencap.org.uk/portal/supervisor/opportunity/summary/125033
Apply by email: Kalle.Hogh@mencap.org.uk

Keywords

18+ Adults with learning difficulties Befriending Flexible Home Visiting Listening Skills Older People

Description

Could you spare a few hours every couple of months to build a meaningful friendship with a friendly and sociable man in his early 70s who has a learning disability? He enjoys spending time with people and sharing the things that matter most to him. One of his greatest passions is buses, and he loves heading off on a bus journey, whether that’s travelling somewhere interesting or simply enjoying the ride and a good chat along the way.

He also enjoys visits to places such as Manston Airport, a game of bowling or crazy golf, browsing the shops for magazines about buses, trains, cars and planes, and stopping for a coffee together. On quieter days, he is equally happy relaxing at home with a cup of tea, watching classic golf tournaments or horse racing on YouTube, and enjoying good company. He communicates in his own way and it can take a little time to get to know how he expresses himself, but he is great fun to spend time with and we will provide plenty of support to help you get started. He lives in a supported living service with friendly, welcoming staff who are happy to support volunteers and help visits run smoothly.

More than anything, he is looking for someone to share experiences with, enjoy conversation, and become a familiar and valued part of his life through six enjoyable visits each year.

What rewards come with volunteering, and how does it create meaningful change?

Volunteering in this role gives you the opportunity to build a meaningful one-to-one connection with a person with a learning disability, helping to reduce loneliness and increase social inclusion. Volunteers often gain a sense of purpose, increased confidence, new experiences, and the satisfaction of making a positive difference in someone’s life. Through regular support and shared activities, volunteers help people become more connected to their community, while also developing their own communication, listening, and relationship-building skills.

Requirements

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

Contact details / How to apply

Contact: Kalle Hogh (Lead co-ordinator Mencap Visiting Service)
Telephone: 07989448606
Email: Kalle.Hogh@mencap.org.uk
Apply at: https://volunteering.mencap.org.uk/portal/supervisor/opportunity/summary/125033
Apply by email: Kalle.Hogh@mencap.org.uk