Mencap Volunteer Visitor (The Beatles, Singalongs and Books! - Guildford)

We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit.

Visitors visit six times a year to create a 1-2-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage people to do the things they enjoy and check-in on their wellbeing. In many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.

We are looking for someone to visit a friendly gentleman in his mid 60s. He loves music (the Beatles are his absolute favourite!), and sometimes enjoys a bit of a singalong and dance too. He has an impressive book collection and loves to read, with his favourites being Stephen King, Charles Dickens, Doctor Who, and autobiographies - but he loves any and everything! He would love someone to come and see him for a chat and a catch up, and bringing some chocolate biscuits with you is a must!

Having an understanding of Aspergers and learning disability, as well as dementia would be beneficial for this role, but is not essential.

This is a Stop and stay, let’s get busy visitor role which means the person you will be visiting can communicate actively with you and take part in choosing or planning activities. As you get to know each our you may choose to ‘go out’ either with or without support from the staff that supports the person you visit. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions for things you can do. Visits will vary in length but tends to be around an hour or longer, depending on what you do.

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
• Enjoying a walk
• A craft activity at home
• Reading a book/magazine together

What skills do I need?

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.