Volunteer Disability Mentor

About West Midlands Disability Action

West Midlands Disability Action is a community organisation dedicated to reducing loneliness and isolation among disabled people.

We provide disability mentoring, listening services, companionship, advice and signposting, and inclusive community activities to help disabled people build confidence, independence and meaningful connections.

About the Role

We are looking for compassionate, reliable and understanding volunteers to join our Disability Mentoring Team.

As a Disability Mentor, you will provide one-to-one support to disabled people, helping them overcome everyday challenges, build confidence, reduce isolation and work towards personal goals.

Our mentoring service is based on lived experience, understanding and peer support. You will provide a safe, non-judgemental space where individuals feel heard, valued and supported.

Mentoring usually takes place over 12 weeks, with regular sessions tailored to the individual's needs.

Key Responsibilities

• One-to-One Mentoring: Provide regular mentoring sessions by telephone, online or face-to-face where appropriate.
• Listening and Emotional Support: Offer a friendly, understanding and non-judgemental space for individuals to discuss their experiences and challenges.
• Goal Setting: Help clients identify achievable personal goals, develop milestones and work towards greater independence.
• Building Confidence: Encourage individuals to develop social confidence, communication skills and positive routines.
• Reducing Isolation: Support clients to explore community activities, social opportunities and ways to make meaningful connections.
• Planning Sessions: Prepare and structure mentoring sessions around each client's needs, goals and progress.
• Monitoring Progress: Record session notes, review milestones and update support plans using our systems.
• Signposting: Help individuals identify appropriate organisations and specialist services when additional support is required.
• Safeguarding: Recognise and report safeguarding concerns, maintaining confidentiality and professional boundaries.

Skills and Qualities

We are looking for someone who:

• Is compassionate, patient, approachable and a good listener.
• Has an interest in disability inclusion and supporting others.
• Can communicate clearly and respectfully with people from different backgrounds.
• Understands the importance of confidentiality, safeguarding and professional boundaries.
• Is reliable, organised and able to maintain basic session records.
• Can encourage independence without making decisions on behalf of clients.
• Is willing to learn and participate in training.

Lived experience of disability, neurodivergence or supporting disabled people is particularly welcomed, but not essential.

Previous mentoring experience is not required, as training and guidance will be provided.

What the Role Does Not Involve

Disability Mentors do not provide:

• Medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
• Legal or financial advice.
• Formal advocacy or professional counselling.
• Personal care or clinical support.

Mentors provide emotional support, encouragement, practical guidance within their role and signposting to appropriate services.

Training and Support

Volunteers will receive:

• An introduction and induction to West Midlands Disability Action.
• Disability mentoring training, including communication, goal setting and session planning.
• Safeguarding and confidentiality guidance.
• Access to mentoring templates and support systems.
• Ongoing guidance and supervision from the Support Team Lead.
• Opportunities to develop communication, mentoring and interpersonal skills.

Benefits of Volunteering

• Make a meaningful difference in the lives of disabled people.
• Help reduce loneliness and social isolation.
• Gain valuable mentoring and support experience.
• Develop communication, listening and interpersonal skills.
• Become part of a welcoming, disability-inclusive volunteer team.
• Access training and personal development opportunities.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about supporting disabled people and helping others build confidence and independence, we would love to hear from you.