Community Café Befriender – Volunteer role

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?

Our Community Hub in Weoley Castle has a thriving and happy café area where our citizens and their carers can enjoy hot or cold food, a drink or just sit and chat with their friends.

We are looking for friendly and enthusiastic volunteers who can be a friendly face and a listening ear to citizens and carers, and also help staff with practical tasks such as setting up/cleaning down activities and occasionally serving on the bar.

No experience is needed but a friendly smile will be a great help.

What would I be doing?

• Being a friendly face to people using our Community Café – welcoming people, chatting to customers, supporting people to access the Café
• Encouraging people to feel part of the community and take part in any activities taking place.
• Helping to set up equipment, keeping the Community Café clean and tidy, and packing away at the end of the session.

What do I need?

• A polite, approachable, and friendly manner
• An interest in helping people
• Good communication skills
• Accepting of others who might be different to you
• A willingness to learn and work within guidelines set out by Midland Mencap
• Honesty, integrity and trustworthy
• Good time management skills, reliability
• An enhanced DBS check will be required by all successful applicants.

When and where do you need me?

Our Community Café is open Monday – Friday, varying between 8am – 7pm depending on need and activities.

Our busiest times are 12pm – 2pm, but you can choose the times suit you.

Weoley Castle Community Centre, Bottetourt Rd, Birmingham B29 5TE

Ideally volunteers can give 2 – 4 hours a week.

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
• An induction and settling in period
• 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
• Support within your role
• Any out-of-pocket travel expenses
• Lots of appreciation for your amazing contribution

What to do if you’re interested?

Download and complete the Volunteering application form here on our website,

Email the completed application form to volunteering@midlandmencap.org.uk.

For more information or an informal chat, call 0121 442 2944 and speak to someone about how volunteering could work for you.