Disability Volunteer Roles

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health, safety and social distancing measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

Watford Mencap supports over 600 people with learning disabilities and their families in South West Herts. They are affiliated with Royal Mencap but are a self-funding and independent local charity that has provided services and support to local families for the past 70 years. They currently operate across 10 sites in Hertsmere, Three Rivers and Watford. It’s an exciting time of change for the charity, having recently bought a new building to bring together its head office and children’s centre along with their plans to develop a range of brand-new short breaks services in this exciting new central hub for the charity in Watford. Over the next 5 years they shall expand and develop this hub into a multipurpose site used by the charity and other local groups.

Watford Mencap is now looking to appoint their next Chair of Trustees – ideally, someone with previous experience of being a Chair or a Charity CEO who can demonstrate significant experience in helping an organisation with their strategy, governance and management. You will be enthusiastic about supporting people living with learning disabilities and want to Mencap develop the services they offer.

Trustees have a duty to ensure that the charity is well run, solvent, legally compliant, and working towards the charitable purpose for which it was established, and Trustee roles are an important and highly rewarding way to support an award winning organisation. Please note that Trustee roles are unremunerated voluntary positions, although reasonable travel expenses will be paid.

Watford Mencap is committed to equality of opportunity, supports, and encourages under-represented groups, and values diversity. We seek people from a wide range of backgrounds, who will bring a fresh perspective to the Board, and having reviewed existing Trustee's diversity, skills, and experience, Mencap are keen for the Board to reflect the diversity of the communities that they work with and therefore welcome applications from all sections of the community.

 Please contact Heidi Earp, Director of Langton Not 4 Profit our retained consultants for further information on the role.

Sense College East is a specialist Further Education (FE) college, supporting students between 16-25, who have a wide range of disabilities. We aim to prepare young people to be as independent as possible and help them to achieve their long term goals. We offer different pathways to help students gain the skills, experience, knowledge and confidence to achieve these goals.

Sense College East has 8 locations in the East of England, East Midlands and West Midlands:

• Aldeby, Suffolk
• Bedford, Bedfordshire
• Dereham, Norfolk
• Knapwell, Cambridgeshire
• Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
• Rothwell, Northamptonshire
• Touchbase Pears, Birmingham
• Streatley, Luton

Candidates interested in the role of Lay Governor at college must be able to demonstrate commitment to Safeguarding, Strategic leadership and a passion to Further Education particularly Specialist Education. A understanding of issues facing the post 16 specialist education sector would be desirable. If you feel you have the ability to make a positive contribution to meetings and provide constructive challenge to support senior managers at the college we would love to hear from you. We anticipate that the successful candidates will need to commit a minimum of 4 half days per term to the role in relation to meetings and preparation. The ability to attend other ad-hoc college events and visits would also be very welcomed. 

This is a primarily virtual role, with all meetings taking place remotely, and an expectation of travelling to college sites once a term. 

The role of members of the Governing Body is to provide strategic leadership, support and constructive challenge to the college senior management team to ensure that Sense College provides an excellent education experience for all students. The Governors will work with the college senior management to ensure the college offers a broad based curriculum to maximise the teaching and learning experiences of all its students, with demonstrable outcomes. Sense College East Lay Governors will attend 3 full committee meetings a year, plus 3 extra meetings for their chosen sub-committee. Meetings last from 90 minutes for sub-committees and 2 hours 30 minutes for the full committee, Lay Governors will come prepared and engaged, having done the reading the prior and ready to ask any questions they may have. Governors of Sense College have a varied role encompassing a range of duties. Much of this is undertaken through participation in the full Governing Body meetings and Sense College sub-committees according to a governor`s experience and skillset, and through college visits.

Some examples of governor duties are below, noting that these are not exclusive:

• Reviewing, approving and monitoring the implementation of the Sense College 2022-2025 Strategic Plan 
• Approving the final Sense College Annual Self-Assessment Report (SAR) 
• Reviewing and monitoring progress and outcomes from the Sense College Quality Improvement Plan (QuIP)
• Reviewing students’ progress and achievements through a range of products i.e. case studies, reports and visits to Sense College 
• Reviewing college data against Key Performance Indicators and dashboards.
• Participating in Ofsted inspection meetings on governance to support Sense College and the college senior management team 
• Monitoring implementation of safeguarding (SfG) procedures, keeping updated with current SfG legislation and governors Prevent responsibilities
• Monitoring college budget performance with the emphasis on new students  referrals funded through the Education and Skills Funding Agency 
• Attending and participating in governor training events, student celebrations and college visits 

About us 

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

Sense values 

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

Sense Virtual Buddying volunteers make a real difference to supporting young people and adults who may be lonely or isolated.

Sense matches volunteers with disabled people to meet for an hour a week on Zoom, over phone, by email, text or letter writing. Our volunteers have spent thousands of hours with their buddies — learning new skills, having fun, and forming fantastic friendships. Sense matches each volunteer with someone who has similar interests, to make sure you have a great time. You and your buddy choose a time that suits you, and you can decide what activities you’d like to do together.

The Role of a Virtual Buddy

Sense matches each volunteer with someone who has similar interests to ensure you’ll have lots of fun together. Once matched with a buddy, you will get to know each other remotely via video calls and phone calls.

You’ll arrange weekly sessions and plan fun things to do together – what this looks like will be inspired by your mutual interests. You could be gaming, doing arts and crafts, playing music, seed planting – there are so many possibilities! We will provide you with weekly themed activities to help to support you in planning your interactions with your buddy.

We’ll also keep in touch with you to ensure you have all the support you need.

The programme is open to all volunteers who are 16 and over. You don't need to have previous experience volunteering or caring for disabled people. We welcome people from all backgrounds and with all interests.

What we can Offer You

Before you start your volunteering role, we’ll make sure that you’ve had the training you need to feel confident. This will be delivered online and via video call.

While you’re volunteering with us as a Virtual Buddy, you’ll get:

• A written account of your volunteering and references if required
• Reimbursement of pre-agreed expenses (up to £25)

Volunteering as a Sense Virtual Buddy is a great opportunity to develop new skills and get to know new people whilst making a real difference to a person’s life. 

Who we are Looking For

We need positive, empathetic volunteers who are passionate about supporting people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world. We are looking for volunteers who are great communicators and who are friendly, enthusiastic, positive and ready to have fun!

We’re also always looking for volunteers who have knowledge or experience of British Sign Language (BSL) and/or other communication methods like Makaton.

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

We’d love for you to consider joining us as a Sense Virtual Buddy!

You will be volunteering with our amazing team in Gipton Wood, LS8, that needs support with painting the Hall and dinning room of a Mencap supported living service. The session will be from 10am -2pm on November 8th. Paint and brushes are provided but please wear clothes that you don't mind getting messy. Tea and coffee is also provided alongside snacks

This can be open to group volunteering, family volunteering, friends wishing to do a one of project together.

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.

Our Shop Volunteers raise money for the people we support with a Learning Disability. Do you have a few hours a week to spare and share your time with us?

Our retail roles are varied and fun. You could be sorting donations from the public, dressing our window or serving customers on the till. There are many people from different walks of life and it's a great way to get practical experience and to meet new people.

This role will take place on a weekly basis for a few hours We will try our best to be flexible around the best time for you, but also need to consider the store opening times and volunteer rota. It could be a weekday or weekend, morning or afternoon, our stores are usually open 7 days a week. We’d appreciate any time that you can spare.

Whilst in the store, you will help with activities based on the needs of the Store Manager.

Tasks you could get up to whilst volunteering could include:

• Serving customers on the till
• Taking stock donations from the public
• Tagging and steaming stock for the shop floor
• Dressing the window displays
• Asking people to join us as a volunteer

As a Retail 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 raise important funds for people with a learning disability
• Get reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in line with our policy e.g. travel
• Receive full Training and support
• Volunteer alongside other people
• Have 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.

Do you want to improve the lives of people with disabilities and vulnerable people? 

Humanity & Inclusion (HI) is an award-winning international development organisation working in situations of poverty and exclusion, conflict and disaster. Working alongside people with disabilities and other vulnerable people, we respond to their essential needs, improve their living conditions and promote respect for their dignity and fundamental rights. 

We are looking for a Fundraising Volunteer to join our small, dynamic and ambitious team with big plans. You will be providing administrative, research and income-generating support to our Private Fundraising team. Your work will be essential in helping our teams provide excellent donor care to our supporters, as well as assisting with the smooth running of our office and fundraising activities.

By volunteering with us, you will have the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of working for a charity and will contribute to our work supporting people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups worldwide, while learning new skills. 

The main purpose of this role is to: 

• Undertake administration tasks to support fundraising efforts.  

• Support a variety of income-generation functions, including individual giving, event fundraising, trust and foundations grant-making, and corporate giving.  

• Support communication and media outreach, including identifying and maintaining journalists/contacts and researching new outreach prospects.

Key tasks you may be able to support: 

• Support the Individual Giving and Communications team in supporter care and social media activities.  

• Ad hoc research tasks on donor engagement and retention and supporter care.  

• Create engaging content for a new campaign aiming to bring in new potential donors to HIUK.  

• Research new opportunities to partner with high-net-worth individuals, companies, and trusts & foundations, who are the most relevant match for HI’s mission.  

• Update the database of donors and prospective donors, for example with contact information, interest areas, and recent communications, to ensure our records are up to date and accurate.  

• Maintain and update our database of journalists, outlets, and contact information for successful media outreach. 

City of Chelmsford Mencap is a small independent charity providing support and structured classes for adults with a learning disability across mid-Essex. We have recently converted the charity's structure and are now embarking on an exciting period of strategic growth. We are seeking energetic and passionate new trustees who can contribute to our plans and help us deliver the next phase of our operating model. 

We would welcome potential trustees from any professional background. However, the following attributes are very important:

• A proven track record of integrity and respect for confidential and proprietary information
• A keen and respectful listener who is able to empathise and respectfully challenge
• Commitment to the charity and enthusiasm for its vision, mission and aims
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to their duties as a trustee.
• Strategic vision
• Sound, independent judgement
• Willingness to participate in frank and open discussion
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to coach staff where required
• The ability to read and understand management reports
• Skills to analyse proposals and their consequence
• Preparedness to make unpopular recommendations to the board
• General competence with IT
• Willingness to be available to provide guidance to the senior management team on an ad hoc basis
• Capacity to represent the charity to external parties and at local events

Much more information is available in our recruitment pack which is available on the apply page..

Please note that appointment to our Board is subject to the receipt of satisfactory references and a clean enhanced DBS certificate (which we will arrange). 

Barnardo's is commited to providing 'Better Outcomes for More Children'. Our children's services volunteers help the charity to deliver essential services in local communities, providing support to over 300,000 children, young people and their families. This role provides a great opportunity to join our fantastic children's services and help make a real difference.

Barnardo's Office Support Volunteeers support a range of children's services, such as Care Leavers, Advocacy and Mental Health support services, as well as back office support, providing administative and reception support. Completing general admin duties, alongside booking rooms, ensuring notice baords are up to date and recording service user information, our Office Support Volunteers keep our services running efficiently.

We are looking for organised people, with basic admin skills. As a good communicator, you will be friendly and approachable and able to communicate with proffesionals from a range of backgrounds.

Why we want you

Barnardo's protects, supports and nurtures the UK's most vunerable children. Barnardo's helps bring out the best in children - no matter who they are or what they have been through. Our volunteers help make this happen.

What you will be doing

• Office administration such as, preparingand distributing materials, such as mailings, leaflets, training materials and group resources.
• Answering and re-directing phone calls in a professional and effiecient way.
• Updating notice boards and creating wall displays for special events and festivals.
• Ensuring all rooms are kept clean, tidy and safe for the use of children, young people and families.
• Managing room bookings and online calanders.
• Adhereing to Barnardo's policies and procedures at all times, including Barnardo's: Safeguarding; Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; Health and Safety; Data Protection; Confidentiality; Recording policies and procedures.
• Participate fully in training and supervision.
• Volunteering within Barnardo's Values and Behaviours.

The skills you need

• Reliable, punctual and trustworthy
• Approachable and welcoming
• Good communication skills and be able to interact with colleagues, service users
• Welcoming, with a confident telephone manner
• Good organisational skills with the ability to prioritise tasks.
• Familiar with and having good understanding of information systems, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher and other computer packages.

What's in it for you

• Full induction and training.
• Other training opportunities relevant to the volunteer role.
• Regular supervision and support.
• Out of pocket expenses agreed in advance.
• Access to the Barnardo's internal vacancy listing.
• Our volunteers tell us about lots of other benefits of volunteering including; experience of working with children, young people and families; experience for your CV; supporting your local community; meeting new people; increasing self-confindence; feeling like you're making a difference; improving your health and wellbeing; and a chance to contribute to a worthwhile charity.

Disclaimer

We look to recruit a diverse range of volunteers. If your skills don't fit the role exactly, please do not let this put you off as we are able to be flexible with most of our roles.

We are looking for a patient volunteer to visit a gentleman who lives in Newcastle. This man has learning disabilities. The visits will likely be short, enough time for a chat, a cuppa, and to check in on how he is doing.

This gentleman is supported by a dedicated team who regularly take him swimming, horse riding, out for walks and for meals in the local pub or café, which any volunteer is very welcome to join.

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. 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 cafe/pub for a meal/drink
• Enjoying a walk
• A craft activity at home
• Reading a book/magazine together

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

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.

About Kith & Kids
We provide activities, opportunities, information and support for people with a learning disability or autism, their parents and siblings.
For all our projects and activities we are dependent on volunteers.

ELSP shop volunteers
Flexible timings, 4-hour time slots

We are currently looking for energetic and enthusiastic volunteers to join us in our boutique charity shop in Chingford, E4.

Volunteers have a fantastic opportunity to help shape our members work experience placements within the shop.  You will support our members will all aspects of working in a charity shop, including using the till and customer service and spend time with them to review the skills they have learnt at the end of each shift.

What you'll do
At the shop you will be paired with one of our members with a learning disability or autism. You'll support and encourage them to complete the job/role they have been given for that specific day and encourage them to practice their social skills by interacting with the public in a polite and friendly manner.

You will also encourage them to work as part of a team and engage socially with staff and volunteers present in the shop.  You will build their confidence and encourage them to take on new challenges.

Requirements

What you need
You do not need experience. Full disability awareness training will be provided before you begin volunteering with us.
The only requirements we ask of you are enthusiasm, energy and to be open-minded.
Minimum age for volunteers is 20.

How much time?
There is no minimum commitment, however the more time you spend with our members the more you get to know them and can better support them.

What we can offer you
We can reimburse your travel expenses.
We'll also provide excellent training before you start and lots of helpful support.

By volunteering at our shop you will also:

• Use and develop your skills
• Learn something new!
• Increase your confidence
• Meet new people and make friends
• Gain experience for (other) work
• Give something back to the community
• Do something fun and satisfying in your spare time
• Challenge yourself
   

What about training?
Volunteers must attend two training sessions and complete a free DBS check before you begin volunteering.

This is a great opportunity to get to know everyone at Kith & Kids: your fellow volunteers, some of our members you will be working with, and gives the opportunity to develop some new skills and expand your knowledge in our workshops.

Topics we cover include:

• Communication
• Autism
• Supporting emotions
• Safeguarding
• Creativity & Participation
• Epilepsy
   

When do I need to come?

Volunteers must attend two training sessions and complete a free DBS check before taking part.

We'll be running face-to-face training in north London starting in mid-October with lots of dates to choose from.

In the meantime, we'll be meeting volunteers online. 

Training will take place in North London – once we have met you online for a chat, we will send you confirmation of our training venue details.

Become a Volunteer Advocate: help parents with a learning disability express themselves, and understand important information regarding their children.

A Volunteer Advocate plays an incredibly important role when it comes to supporting a parent with a learning disability. By having an advocate, parents have a much better chance at being able to navigate difficult processes about their children and be treated fairly throughout.

As a Volunteer Advocate, you will support the parent at meetings that are within children services by making sure they understand the information that is being shared, reasonable adjustments are made in line with their learning disability, they have the opportunity to share their views and feel like their voice is heard, as well as talk through the options that they have and discuss the consequences of each option so they can then can make an informed decision.

Full training will be available to understand more about learning disabilities, advocacy, as well as the potential processes parents are affected by when the local authority are involved with their family.

You will also;

• Receive supervision & development.
• Gain interpersonal communication skills.
• Gain an insightful experience within a social care setting.
• Make a real difference to someone’s life.
• Gain teamwork skills with an amazing team!
• As well as planning & organization skills, problem solving skills and positive attributes.

"Volunteering gives me the opportunity to connect with people & gives a sense of belonging to my community in a mutually beneficial way."

WISER stands for Women in Safe and Empowering Relationships and is a domestic abuse awareness course for women with a learning disability/borderline learning disability in Plymouth.

We are always on the look out for committed, compassionate and dedicated volunteers who wish to get involved in supporting the delivery of our WISER course. We have opportunities available for those who wish to support the delivery of our 6 week course and the women attending, or opportunities for those who would like to support women 1-1 after they have completed the course, as well as administrative roles.

You will be part of a supportive team who come together to help women with a learning disability who are often isolated and struggle to access the support they deserve.

You will also;

• Receive training, supervision & development.
• Gain interpersonal communication skills.
• Gain an insightful experience within a social care setting.
• Make a real difference to someone’s life.
• Gain teamwork skills with an amazing team!
• As well as planning & organization skills, problem solving skills and positive attributes.

About Kith & Kids
We provide activities, opportunities, information, and support for people with a learning disability or autism, their parents and siblings.
For all our projects and activities we are dependent on volunteers.

Our Summer Project
Fri 27th – Tue 31st December, 9:30am – 5:30pm in North London.

We are currently looking for energetic and enthusiastic volunteers, to join us on our fantastic fun-filled Xmas Social Development Project.

Volunteers and our members who have disabilities get to know each other as they take part in fun and challenging workshops including sports & games, arts & crafts, cooking and enjoying a day out in London.

What you'll do
On the project you and a fellow volunteer will be paired with one of our members with a learning disability or autism. You'll support and encourage them to take part in a wide range of activities led by professional therapists and workshop leaders.

Our core activities are sports & games, arts & crafts, drama and music. Previous additional workshops have also included photography, football and cooking and you’ll plan your own exciting outing around London with a fellow volunteer and the Kith & Kids member you're linked with.

Not only is it a week full of fun and games for you and our members, you are a vital part in supporting them to develop their social skills in a day-to-day environment.

Come along and get involved!

Male volunteers especially welcome (we need more)!!

Requirements

What you need
You do not need experience. Full disability awareness training will be provided before you begin volunteering with us.
The only requirements we ask of you are enthusiasm, energy and to be open-minded.
Minimum age for volunteers is 18.

How much time?
The project runs for 5 days, Fri 27th – Tue 31st December, 9:30am – 5:30pm in North London.

Everyone gets the most out of the project if you come for the full five days as you'll build a close relationship with the member you'll have been supporting and will create the most impact.

What we can offer you
We can reimburse your travel expenses and provide a delicious lunch each day.
We'll also provide excellent training before the project, and lots of helpful support.

By volunteering on our project, you'll also:

• Use and develop your skills.
• Learn something new, get involved in fun activities with others.
• Increase your confidence.
• Meet new people and make friends.
• Gain experience for (other) work
• Give something back to the community.
• Do something fun and satisfying in your spare time.
• Challenge yourself.
   

What about training?
Volunteers must attend at least two training days and complete a free DBS check before you begin volunteering.

This is a great opportunity to get to know everyone at Kith & Kids: your fellow volunteers, some of our members you will be working with, and also gives the opportunity to develop some new skills and expand your knowledge in our workshops.

Topics we cover include:

• Communication
• Autism
• Supporting emotions
• Safeguarding
• Creativity & Participation
• Epilepsy
   

When do I need to come?

We'll be running face-to-face training in north London starting in mid-October with lots of dates to choose from.

In the meantime, we'll be meeting volunteers online.

Training will take place in North London – once we have met you online for a chat, we will send you confirmation of our training venue details.