Mencap Volunteer Visitor

**Job Advert**:
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You will be visiting a gentleman with a learning disability every other month.

He is in his early 60’s and lives in a nice care home in Twickenham.

Visits will start in the care home, and staff will support you to get to know him. Once you know each other better, you can venture out. The High Street is only a three minutes walk away and he will enjoy going for a little stroll to a local café for a drink.

This gentleman is a man of few words, but can let you know what he wants through body language and gestures.

By visiting every other month you will be providing companionship for this gentleman.

We ask for a minimum commitment of 6 visits.

**When & where do I need to be available?**

The times required can be flexible to your availability. Visits are **every 2 months.**

Visits will last around 1-1.5 hours.

You will make 6 visits per year, and we ask for a minimum commitment of 1 year.

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

- 18 or over
- Friendly and approachable
- Reliable and patient
- Able to use initiative
- Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
- Have good communication and listening skills

**Mencap are strongly encouraging all our colleagues to have the Covid-19 vaccine as a way to help protect each other and the people we support. This is becoming increasingly important as evidence is starting to grow that the vaccine could help stop the spread of the virus, as well as protecting the person vaccinated from getting very ill. **In addition, you may be asked to take a lateral flow test or wear PPE when you volunteer.**- We look forward to hearing from you**Benefits**:
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**As a Mencap volunteer you will receive**:

- Personalised training and induction
- Support in your role
- Agreed out-of-pocket expenses (e.g. travel, a meal out with the person you visit)
- The opportunity to meet new people
- To learn new skills
- You will be appreciated and valued for the support you provide
- You will be making a difference

**About Mencap**:
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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.