Volunteering options

Read our different options for volunteers

Frequently asked questions

Read our frequently asked questions about volunteering with Chelmsford Mencap.

Volunteer application form

Click link to download PDF Volunteer Application Form

Contact us

How many hours can someone volunteer if they are on benefits?

There is no maximum hours limit for volunteering if someone is on benefits.  If an individual is receiving Job Seekers Allowance they must be actively seeking work and available to attend an interview at 48 hours notice, or start work at a week’s notice. 

Will I need a CRB check?

It is Chelmsford Mencap’s policy to apply for an enhanced CRB disclosure check for all posts that are Regulated and/or Controlled activities. Such as working directly with children and vulnerable adults.

How old do I need to be to volunteer?

We take volunteers from the age of 13 years for our childrens clubs and 16 years for our adult clubs.  Young people under 18 will need consent from their parent or guardian though, and those aged 16 years or under and still in full time education will need a work permit.  Many restrictions will apply to volunteers under the age of 16 years and the number of hours they are permitted to work.  Please visit this link for important information if you are under 16 years and want to voulnteer http://www.connexions-direct.com/index.cfm?pid=75&catalogueContentID=120

How much time do I have to have to volunteer for?

Chelmsford Mencap have many volunteer opportunities, some are regular ongoing, others short term and some may be for one off events.  We will try and match you to an opportunity that is right for you.

Will I get expenses?

Chelmsford Mencap believe that reimbursing volunteer expenses is an important factor in making volunteering accessible to all.  So yes we will pay agreed out of pocket expenses including travel (and meals taken if on income support) whilst volunteering. 

What do I wear?

We provide volunteers with a Chelmsford Mencap Volunteer T.shirt as uniform, which must be worn whenever you are working with us.

Will I get training in my volunteer role?

All volunteers will receive an induction to Chelmsford Mencap when they start volunteering and training so they can carry out their role.  There may also be opportunities for further specific training relating to their role as well.

Further information

If you have a question that isn’t answered here please contact our Volunteers Manager:
Telephone: 01245 268303
Email: volunteers@chelmsfordmencap.org.uk

Volunteer at the Youth Club

Volunteering offers us all a chance to be valued in our local community, to learn new skills, make new friends, have fun and can sometimes lead to paid employment.

Chelmsford Mencap wants to recruit volunteers to do all sorts of activities.

Within Chelmsford Mencap there are many opportunities to volunteer including:

• Volunteering alongside people with a learning disability at our clubs: even if you can offer just a little time on a regular basis, you can make a vital contribution to our work.
• Getting involved with fundraising: have fun, meet new people and of course raise funds for Chelmsford Mencap. There are lots of great events that you can take part in.
• Chelmsford Mencap has many more volunteering opportunities that help to make the organisation effective and vibrant.
• Search our current list of volunteering opportunities.

As a Chelmsford Mencap volunteer you can expect:

• an induction
• safe working environment
• liability and personal accident insurance
• travel expenses
• training and a support network to help you in your role
• regular email newsletter to keep you up to date with events
• to meet new people and gain new skills.

Useful resources 

Mencap’s volunteering DVD, ‘Promoting Volunteering’, is funded by v, the youth volunteering charity, and was filmed during a four month period at various events. The DVD highlights and celebrates what young people with a learning disability can achieve through volunteering.

If you have a group of young people who want to volunteer or you want to show organisations what they can achieve through involving volunteers with a learning disability please contact the Mencap volunteer team to order a copy.