Friendly Volunteer Visitor - South Croydon

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We are looking to recruit a volunteer who would like to visit a lady with a learning disability in her late 70's who lives in a care home in South Croydon. You will visit her every other month, totalling 6 visits a year.

She is a lady of very few words, but as you get to know her you will get to learn her likes and dislikes. She enjoys soft toys, and enjoys some short activities like arranging flowers, mostly she would like someone to sit with her and have a chat. As a result of Covid-19 she has barely left the house the past few years and will really appreciate someone coming to see her.

Visits will start in her home, sitting with her and her staff in the living room until she feels comfortable in your presence. Once she gets to know you and feels more comfortable visits can be more flexible, with the option of sitting in the summer house and enjoying the garden together potentially.

She has very few visitors and doesn't see many people except her housemates and care staff. That's where you come in - by visiting every other month you will make a huge difference by giving her some special attention and company. You will also help fulfil the wishes her parents had for her when she was signed up for our service.

Visits will be every 2 months at her home, with flexibility around the day and time. Visits will probably be quite short to begin with, but could last around 1 hour once your relationship develops. The exact times can be flexible to your availability but we ask for a minimum commitment of 1 year.

This person lives in South Croydon. Before applying please Check your journey to make sure it's practical for you.

You will be introduced and get to know her with the support of Mencap and her care staff, and will have ongoing support from your volunteer manager once you start visiting independently.

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
• Willing and able to provide two references

For more information contact

Benefits

As a Mencap volunteer you will receive:

• Personalised training and induction
• To feel fully supported in your role
• Be supported by your Volunteer Coordinator, who will join you for your first visit
• Agreed out-of-pocket expenses to be reimbursed (e.g. travel, a gift for the person you visit)
• Meet new people
• Learn new skills
• Feel appreciated and valued
• You will be making a difference!

About Mencap

1.5 million people in the UK have a learning disability. 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.

For more information about what a learning disability is click here

Volunteering with Mencap 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 this service
We offer a lifelong befriending service for people with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of individual people with a learning disability.

Our 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, our visitor is the only person in someone's life who isn't paid to be there for them.