Mencap Volunteer Visitor (Meaningful Connections in Scarborough)
Imagine being the reason someone feels less alone. Imagine knowing that simply showing up just as yourself can brighten someone’s day and mean more than you may ever fully realise. Our lifelong befriending service exists to make that possible.
We support adults with learning disabilities by matching them with volunteers who want to build real, meaningful friendships. These aren’t one‑off visits or short‑term commitments they’re genuine human connections built over time, shaped by shared interests, laughter, and trust.
As a visitor, you’ll spend time with the same person around six times a year, offering companionship, encouragement, and the chance to enjoy things together: whether that’s getting out into the community, revisiting favourite places, or trying something new.
Visits typically last around a couple of hours, though this can vary depending on what you plan together. You’ll never be doing this alone your Volunteer Manager will support you throughout your journey with ideas, guidance, and reassurance. But the connection you build will be truly personal and deeply meaningful.
By giving a small amount of your time, you could become a trusted face, a valued friend, and a powerful presence in someone’s life :proof that kindness, consistency, and simply being there can make all the difference.
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
- Take part on community activities like visiting a place of interest, go shopping etc.
- Enjoying a walk
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.
If you have questions about volunteering with Mencap, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us: volunteering@mencap.org.uk