Christmas party planner

We are looking for passionate volunteers to help us plan a Christmas party for some of our Mencap service users who have a learning disability, and their special guests. Sign up to volunteer as an individual or as part of a group, giving you the opportunity to work together as a team to host a very special party over the festive period. Engage with your local community and have some Merry Mencap fun!

**As a volunteer we would hope you can support for around 3 shifts to help collect ideas, plan and then host a Christmas party at one of our residential homes. **

Each one of our party guests has different interests and your role will be to work with the individuals who live in a local home to incorporate as many of their wishes, and plan a gathering that brings some Christmas cheer for all to enjoy together.

The 3 shifts should take place over November/December.

• The first shift will be an opportunity to meet the service manager and all the service users, to get to know them and understand what would make an amazing Christmas party for them. This session will also include working with the service manager to understand the agreed budget and plan the party date and follow up session(s).

• The follow up shift will be an opportunity to make any decorations, plan supplies and activities, and individual roles and a schedule for the day. This will be very dependent on what the service users individual wants and needs are, so will be different for each location!

• The day of the party will include making sure everything runs smoothly to ensure the service users have a memorable day, and making sure everyone takes part and enjoys the fun!

By helping us to host these Christmas parties you will help bring people together to share experiences and be part of your local community. We couldn't run these events without the support of volunteers, so by giving a few hours of your time you will help us create lasting memories for the people we support and bring joy during this festive period.

As a Mencap Volunteer you will be:

• Friendly and Approachable
• Reliable, Kind and Patient
• A good communicator (including listener)
• Willing to volunteer within guidelines and to take direction where necessary
• Accepting of others who might be different to yourself

As a Mencap volunteer you will:

• Make a direct impact to improve the lives of people with a learning disability this christmas
• Make new friends
• Receive agreed out of pocket expenses in line with our policy e.g. travel
• Receive a full volunteer briefing and training
• Have a chance to give back your local community

About Mencap Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose.

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.

Volunteering with us 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.

If you have questions about volunteering with Mencap, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us