Mencap Mate Volunteer (Music and Theatre Stowmarket Suffolk)

We support an amazing 61 year old lady who loves music and the theatre, she is non-sighted and would love a friend who enjoys her interest in music.

She would really like a weekly volunteer to visit her at home where you can build an interest in your shared interest.

In time you may find that you both want to pop along to a music event or the theatre together.

We support adults with a learning disability in a shared home in your local area. They all have different interests and would love a volunteer to come and spend time with them doing what they love! As well as sharing their interests, you will be supporting to improve their social lives and as a volunteer you will have the opportunity to make a real, positive, and meaningful impact in the lives of people with a learning disability.

This role will take place on a weekly basis for a few hours (dependent on what you get up to) and we can be flexible to arrange this around the best time for you. It could be a weekday, weeknight or weekend. We’d appreciate any time that you can spare.

Whilst on shift, you will do activities based on the interests of you and those you volunteer with, you will arrive at their home each shift, see who is keen to hangout, and simply spend time together.

**Activities you could get up to whilst volunteering could include: **

Having a chat or catch up Going for a stroll/coffee/shopping in your local area Playing games or doing activities at home Enjoying hobbies together Most importantly, spending quality time with a person with a learning disability doing what they love

**As a Mencap Mate Volunteer you will be: **

Friendly and Approachable Reliable, Kind and Patient A good communicator (including listener) Willing to volunteer within guidelines and to take direction where necessary Accepting of others who might be different to yourself

**As a Mencap volunteer you will: **

Make new friends and help bring joy to someone's life Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in line with our policy e.g. travel Full Training and support Volunteer alongside experienced Care Professionals A chance to give back your local community About Mencap 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