Parkride Bike Buddy Volunteer

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.

Purpose of the role.

To connect people wanting to cycle more with volunteer Bike Buddies who want to help them. We have people from many different backgrounds wanting support with their cycling for many reasons.

For example:

• Coming back to cycling after time off

• Disability or ill health

• Finding quiet roads and cycle paths around your neighbourhood

• Building up confidence on busy roads

• Sharing experiences of things like cycling at night or what clothes to wear

• Checking bikes together before a ride

Bike Buddies provide crucial support and motivation to help people to participate in inclusive and adapted outdoor cycling. Volunteers support cyclists to achieve their fitness goals and enjoy cycling in our community.

Our Bike Buddies are great ambassadors for cycling, sharing their expertise of local routes and giving others the confidence to get around by bike.

If you feel confident cycling on the road or in a park with someone else, and are wanting to give back to others, this is the role for you.

What would I be doing?

You’ll need to find out what they want to do and where they want to go. Some people want to explore quiet streets locally or plan a longer journey. You may ride to the park or show them local routes – quiet ways, new cycle lanes and off-road paths are popular.

They may want to try out junctions or crossing busy roads – think about how to ride those safely. You may support a person at one of our pre-arranged Parkride cycle meetings and help them to develop the skills and confidence to cycle safely and independently.

What do I need?

This role will require:

• A roadworthy bike and riding equipment.

• Experience of regular cycling

• Some experience of cycle maintenance

• Complete a cycling competence session with parkride staff

• Friendly, calm, and patient

• A good listener & happy to chat

• Accepting of people who may be different to you

• Willing to learn and act within guidelines set out by Midland Mencap

• Good time management skills, reliability

• An enhanced DBS check will be required by all successful applicants.

When and where do you need me?

Either at organised events or 1-2-1 within your local area.

Ideally you can meet once a week for approx. 2 hours.

We have parkride sessions running throughout the week including evenings and weekends.

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

• Positive wellbeing from doing something great

• Improve career opportunities by adding your volunteer role to a CV

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.