Volunteering & Internship
We offer a range of Volunteer/Intern opportunities for people to learn skills in a variety of areas, including clerical work in our office and contributing to the running of our activities for children, young people and adults with learning disabilities in the community.

These can be short or long term Volunteer/Intern positions.

A range of opportunities
Our charity provides projects and activities for people with a learning disability and their family carers.  Volunteer/Inter opportunities are open to people who have the skills to carry out the role - training and support is provided. 

Opportunities exist at our offices in Mitcham and in various community locations across Merton in which we run our projects.

Role Descriptions
Role Descriptions of each Volunteering and Internship opportunity are available, which set out the requirements of the role, the hours, and how to apply.

Applicants with disabilities will be supported through the application process, which includes an informal interview to discuss the role and the applicant’s abilities.  Applicants will be provided with all information to determine which volunteering position is right for them.

Adjustments & support
Applicants with disabilities interested in Volunteering/Internships will be supported through the application process.  For example, an informal interview can replace the requirement to complete our application form, if required.  Also, support will be provided to complete the training which all volunteers/interns are required to do – all of which can take place in a fully accessible environment at our offices.

Volunteers/Interns are provided with:

- a Volunteer Agreement, which confirms the nature of the role and its requirements

- a Volunteer Plan, which sets out the support that the charity will provide to the Volunteer/Intern, and what the charity intends to give back in return for the time being donated

Training
Accessible training is offered to Volunteers/Interns.  Training is provided via an on-line training programme and applicants can be supported though the training by a member of our team.

Volunteer Plans
For all our Volunteers/Interns, we provide a Volunteer Plan which sets out what the charity will provide to them.  This may include particular training or experience, the opportunity to be involved with a particular area of the charity’s work, or a testimonial at the end of the Volunteering/Internship to show the person’ achievements. 

Volunteer Plans are monitored by us in order to evaluate the progress the person is making against their objectives.

Information
We require information from applicants about their circumstances, abilities and motives for wishing to undertake Volunteering/Internship.  Applicants are also required to provide 2 references and complete an enhanced DBS disclosure.

Yes – we would be happy to contribute to planning which would help our Volunteers/Interns.

Added-value
Our Volunteering Opportunities/Internships provide more than the promise of learning and developing skills and experience.  Volunteers/Interns are considered part of the staff team at Merton Mencap and are required to take part in supervision meetings and team meetings, and have opportunities to be part of company social events.  The experience of volunteering with us provides a much deeper and wider experience than ‘work experience’ – it offers the opportunity to be part of a local organisation, develop professional relationships with colleagues and meet new people.

We would use a communication method which is appropriate to the individual.  We are a charity which supports people with a learning disability so we are experienced at tailoring our communication methods to meet the needs of individuals. 

We provide regular supervision and support to Volunteers/Interns to ensure they are comfortable and clear about their tasks, and monitor their work.

For more information, contact our Volunteer Coordinator on:
Volunteer.coordinator@swlondonmencap.nhs.uk
or
0208 646 0965 and ask for our Volunteer Coordinator

www.mertonmencap.org.uk