Volunteering
It can be a bit daunting to try something new, so we’re really pleased to have got funding from the Access to Volunteering Fund for our Buddy Volunteering Project. This project is for people with a learning disability who would like to volunteer in an organisation and would like a buddy (someone without a learning disability) to volunteer with them.
We will be providing some training to the organisations so they know how to provide good opportunities for people with a learning disability
The main of the scheme is to make it easier for people with learning disabilities to volunteer in local organisations. You might want to develop skills to help you get a paid job in future.
Wherever possible we will match you up with a buddy to volunteer with. These are some of the volunteering roles that are available:
Royal Liverpool University Hospital,
Library Trolley Volunteer
You and your buddy volunteer will be responsible for taking the library trolley around wards. This role involves visiting wards and asking patients if they would like to borrow a library book. There are no forms for the patients to complete; the library trolley is run purely on a ‘borrow and return’ basis. There are also audio tapes, large print books and magazines available for patients. You may need to check whether a specific book is available and then re-stock the library trolley once completed. This role will involve being out on wards and interacting with patients.
To carry out this role you need to:
- Be sociable and friendly
- Be able to volunteer on a busy ward
Please come into the Mencap Liverpool office to fill out a volunteer application and a medical questionnaire. The Royal Liverpool University Hospitals require you to apply for a CRB and needs contact details of two referees.
Available times: it would be from Mon-Friday between 9am-4pm but either an afternoon or a morning slot.
RSPCA-Halewood animal centre
Dog walking volunteers
The animal centre has stray dogs and dogs for re-homing. You and your buddy’s role will be to give dogs that are suitable for re-homing a walk around the animal centres allotted ‘walking field’. Some will be allowed off the lead and can run and chase a ball. This will involve walking a few dogs each time and walking an array of different dogs.
An induction will be given.
- Volunteer must be comfortable with dogs
Available times: Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday Afternoons, from 1pm till 3:30pm
If you would like to apply for this role then please contact the Mencap Office as soon as possible to apply for an enhanced CRB disclosure with Mencap Liverpool.
Age Concern Liverpool
Social Club Volunteers
Volunteers will assist in greeting members, serving meals and hot drinks, clearing and washing dishes, tidying up the venue and helping with the quiz, bingo or other social activities. This role is available from Mon-Fri from 11:30am-2:30pm and at various locations across Liverpool.
To carry out this role you will need to have:
- Empathy with older people
- Good communication and organisational skills
- Be a team player
Information and Advice Volunteers
Volunteer Receptionist
Volunteers will assist the Information and Advice Service by welcoming and greeting visitors to the first floor. Seeking advice can seem quite daunting to people who have not accessed the service before and a friendly manner will help to make people feel more comfortable and at ease while waiting to see an advisor.
Volunteers need to be:
- Well mannered
- Polite
- Helpful
This role will be during office hours.
BTCV
Conservation Volunteer
BTCV successfully engage local volunteers through projects around the UK including community allotments, construction of woodland walks, sensory garden projects, school grounds improvements and woodland management schemes etc, giving valuable volunteering experiences to over three hundred thousand volunteers throughout the UK
BTCV Merseyside will be starting up a project beginning at the end of August to work around a tree nursery site at Clarke gardens in Allerton, the project is to help with the day to day, week to week management of the site. This role will involve maintaining trees, footpath construction, collecting tree seeds and general gardening duties. There will be a tool induction as this role will involve using common gardening tools such as spades etc. Outdoor gear essential.
Available Times: Tuesday
DADA-
Festival Volunteers
Volunteers will help the Deaf and Disabled Artists group (DaDa) as they organise DaDaFest International 2010. DaDa has an exciting Youth Volunteer Programme for 16-25 year olds and other opportunities for over 25’s. Volunteers and their buddies can help in a variety of roles, from Reporters and Researchers to Tour Guides and Ambassadors, and many more on a part-time basis between September and December. Some roles will be office based and many will involve helping at the festival itself. To find out more about the Volunteer Youth Programme click below.
If you are interested in being part of our buddy volunteering project and would like to volunteer with one of these organisations contact Sophie on 0151 707 8582 or email sophie.robertson@mencapliverpool.org.uk
PLEASE BE AWARE THAT BUDDIES ARE NOT SUPPORT WORKERS AND CANNOT LIFT ANYONE OR PROVIDE ANY FORM OF PERSONAL CARE.
