To mark this year’s Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June) Mencap is to deliver more than 1,200 handwritten letters to thank volunteers.
THANK YOU
The charity for people with a learning disability is using the week to thank its volunteers. Using handwritten letters, Mencap is thanking volunteers who have made a difference to the lives of people with a learning disability.
Volunteers’ Week is a national campaign to raise awareness of the benefits of volunteering, and to highlight the contribution made by people who volunteer throughout the UK. This year, Volunteers’ Week runs from 1-7 June.
In the last year 1,260 people volunteered for Mencap, seven of these people have volunteered for the charity for 20 years or longer.
The charity is dedicated growing its volunteer network each year. In the last five years the number of volunteers with Mencap has grown by more than 1,000 people.
Head of volunteering at Mencap, Anne-Marie Zaritsky, says: “Volunteers’ Week is a time for us to say a big thank you to all of our inspirational volunteers who are as passionate about supporting people with a learning disability as we are.
“The opportunity to volunteer with Mencap is not only a chance to do something great, but it’s also an opportunity to develop new skills and experiences.”
VOLUNTEER
Volunteers can give as little as one hour a year or can volunteer each week. There are many different ways that volunteers can get involved with Mencap and support people with a learning disability.
A growing number of volunteers with Mencap have a learning disability, many are gaining valuable retail experience by volunteering in their local Mencap charity shop.
This helps to increase employability and learn new skills, but also tackles social isolation and helps to build friendships.
Mark, who has a mild learning disability, started volunteering in a Mencap charity shop 18 months ago: “I wanted to help people, like me, who have a learning disability.
“We have so many regulars that come into the shop that it feels like a real community. Since I started volunteering here, I feel a lot more confident in myself and I’ve had lots of training in different things.”
No matter how much time you have, every hour you can volunteer makes a difference. To find out more about volunteering with Mencap click here.
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