Evening Social Activities (Disco & Dynamo Club) Volunteer

Who are Midland Mencap?

Midland Mencap is a charity which works and campaigns for accessible and inclusive services and a better quality of life for everyone with experience of learning disabilities and additional needs.

Volunteering with Midland Mencap is your opportunity to help us achieve our vision.

Purpose of the role?

People with a learning disability or additional needs are often isolated and excluded from mainstream leisure and social activities. We believe that EVERYONE has the right to have fun and feel safe.

Our organised activity groups groups give people with additional needs the chance to make friends, enjoy social time together and try out a variety of activities.

We are looking for friendly and enthusiastic volunteers for our busy and chatty social groups in Weoley Castle. You will be encouraging our citizens to take part and ensure everyone has a great time.

This is a great opportunity to volunteer in a friendly, person-centred team, providing leisure and social activities for young people and adults with learning disabilities.

What would I be doing?

We have a variety of roles involving key tasks and providing friendship support:

Monthly Discos

Set in our own Community Centre where we have a reception, licensed bar and café. Our volunteers support in the bar with serving drinks and at times help the café with service and general help, as well as supporting us in welcoming people at reception and registering them. There is also a chance to DJ if you have the confidence!

At our social opportunities we really want everyone to feel welcome, included and to have a great time, and so we need friendly people to engage with our citizens, chatting and helping them to get involved and have fun.

Dynamo Club

Is a weekly evening social group for adults who get together either in our Community Centre or go out into the community. Volunteers support in engaging with individuals, taking part with and helping to deliver fun games and activities such as youth club style games/projects/art/quizzes/baking etc. We also go out on trips to the cinema/pub meals/live music/bowling etc where volunteers support staff to host inclusive outings!

• Helping people to take part in various activities.
• Supporting people to enjoy social trips such as bowling, cinema and meals out.
• Encouraging people to feel part of the group and take part in the activities.
• Helping to set up equipment and tidy away at the end of the session.
• Helping to maintain a safe and welcoming environment.

What do I need?

• A lively and friendly personality, being approachable and friendly
• Whilst it is not essential, a skill or interest in something creative would be great – for example dance, drama, music, arts and crafts, keep fit etc.
• Good communication skills
• Accepting of others who might be different to you
• The ability to work as part of a diverse team
• A willingness to learn and work within guidelines set out by Midland Mencap
• Honesty, integrity and trustworthy
• Good time management skills, reliability, independence
• Aged 18+
• An enhanced DBS check will be required by all successful applicants.

Where do you need me?

• Disco: One Friday evening per month 6.30pm – 9.30pm (Other celebration events such as Christmas, Halloween, Eid and Easter)
• Dynamo Club: Every Monday night 6-8pm
• Weoley Castle Community Centre, Bottetourt Road, B32 3BZ (trips out will be at various venues)

What’s in it for me?

As one of our valued volunteers, Midland Mencap will offer you:

• The opportunity to make a difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities and their family carers
• Improved health and wellbeing from doing positive activities
• A volunteering preparation session
• An induction and settling in period and any training and development that is needed
• The chance to develop your skills and gain experience
• The opportunity to meet new people and be part of a diverse team
• Any out-of-pocket travel expenses
• Lots of appreciation for your amazing contribution