Mencap Volunteer Visitor (Based in Pocklington, York)
Do you love a warm cuppa and a good wander through charity shops?
We’re looking for a friendly, reliable volunteer to spend time with an adult with a learning disabilityenjoying relaxed outings like visiting a local café, browsing nearby charity shops, and exploring the community together.
This is more than just a few hours out and about. It’s a chance to build a genuine connection, boost someone’s confidence, and help them feel truly included. In many cases, you could be the only person in their life who isn’t paid to spend time with themyour presence really matters.
About the Role
We provide a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities, thoughtfully matching volunteers with people who share similar interests and hobbies. As a visitor, you’ll meet around six times a year to build a meaningful 1-to-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage enjoyable activities, and gently check in on wellbeing.
This is an “Out and About” role, which means your visits are likely to be active, engaging, and shaped by the interests of the person you’re visiting. They’ll often take the lead in planning what you do together and your volunteer manager will always be on hand with ideas and support.
Visits usually last around a couple of hours (sometimes a little shorter or longer depending on your plans).
What You Might Do Together
- Sit and have a relaxed chat
- Check in on how they’re feeling
- Head to a local café or pub for a drink or meal
- Explore charity shops or local high streets
- Enjoy a gentle walk outdoors
If you’re warm, dependable and enjoy simple pleasures like good conversation and discovering hidden gems in local shops, this could be the perfect opportunity to make a lasting difference one cuppa at a time.
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.
- 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