Volunteer
Volunteering Opportunities
Volunteers are very important to us. Without them we would not be able to deliver most of our support facilities or run successful fundraising events,
If you have any spare time, you are most welcome to join our team. You could make a real difference and be satisfied that you have helped to develop young adults with learning difficulties.
How you can help?
With our various activities:
The activities and services that we offer varies from time to time but we are always pleased to hear from you if you are able to donate your time or talents to our organisation.
In our clubs:
Our clubs meet every Tuesday evening and Saturday afternoon (during term time) in New Milton and every Thursday evening (during term time) in Brockenhurst. Have a look at the club section on this site for details of what goes on.
The clubs are run by qualified leaders and provide a wide range of activities for members – crafts, sports and games. Occasionally special events or outings are organised. You can help members with these activities designed to help develop their skills and confidence.
You can spend time and talk to members to help build their social skills.
You can share your skills and interests with members.
The club sessions are very relaxed and friendly. Members really enjoy the facilities provided and welcome the help that volunteers give them.
If you want to become involved, either contact one of the team leaders (see contact us) or, better still, just turn up to a club session. You will be made very welcome.
In our shop:
You do not need retail experience to help in our shop. Just an interest in meeting and helping people buy things we have to sell. The shop makes a significant contribution to our funds each year and it is important that we have enough volunteers to remain open for 6 days a week. We aim to have at least 2 volunteers in the shop all the time.
Ideally you can help for a minimum of half a day a week. You can ensure our sales goods are appropriately displayed. Guidance is given on how we like the shop to be presented and run by our shop manager – Valerie Bowyer.
You can ensure the shop positively represents the charities work by handling any questions from customers.
If you are interested in volunteering in our shop, please contact the office on 01425 621893 or email [email protected] See the Shop section for details of where the shop can be found.
Fundraising events:
WHATEVER AREA(S) OF OUR WORK INTERESTS YOU, PLEASE CONTACT US.
YOU WILL BE MADE VERY WELCOME.
Please note that because of the client group that we work with and to meet insurance requirements you will understand that DBS checks (formerly CRB Checks) and references are required. Please talk to us if that causes you any concern
Become a Trustee
If you are interested in becoming a trustee contact us. Before you become a trustee it is a good idea to find out as much as you can about Mencap and what it does. Please read our important policies and procedures and our annual report, ask to meet existing trustees or staff members. You might also like to sit in on a meeting or meet other people in the charity before you make up your mind.
People who can’t be Trustees
You can’t be a Trustee if
you have an unspent conviction for an offence involving dishonesty or deception
you are currently declared bankrupt, subject to bankruptcy restrictions or an interim order
have an individual voluntary arrangement to pay off debts with creditors
are disqualified from being a company director
have previously been removed as a Trustee by either the Charity Commission or the High Court due to misconduct or mismanagement
Age restrictions
You must be over 18 to be a Trustee or if the charity is a company or charitable incorporated association (CIO) the minimum age is 16
We are particularly interested in hearing about any skills you are able to offer i.e management, marketing, policy planning, practical skills etc
Get Involved
Volunteer
If you have any spare time, you are most welcome to join our team. You could make a real difference and be satisfied that you have helped to develop young adults with learning difficulties.
Membership
When you become a Friend we will put you on a secure database and send you four Newsletters a year to keep you in touch with what NF Mencap is doing and, dependant on your wishes we can include you on our periodic News Briefings and let you know of any activities that might be of interest.
Donate
New Forest Mencap is a completely independent charity and we rely entirely on support from grants and donations from the public.