Volunteering

Volunteers are the lifeblood of Maidstone Mencap. Each of the clubs requires the kind-hearted help of volunteers to be able to provide the service we do for vulnerable children and adults with learning difficulties and disabilities.

Many of our volunteers are interested in working with children with special needs, and volunteering provides excellent experience for those considering a career in child education; both in SEN and/or mainstream education. Volunteering will introduce you to like-minded individuals and is a fun way to make a positive contribution to your local community.

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Fundraising plays a major part in support of the services we provide at Cobtree Hall for our very special children, adults, and their families.

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Can you spare a couple of hours to help with our fundraising events?

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Summer Fayre; 2021

(details to follow closer to the time)

The biggest fundraising event in our calendar! Help needed, especially in the morning with setting up. Assistance also needed for stalls which need manning during the day and dismantling at the end of the day.

Can you help, please? If yes, contact [email protected]

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A couple of hours of your time at either or both event would be greatly appreciated.

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Cobtree Playschool provides the highest quality of care and education for pre-school children with a learning disability We ensure they are happy, safe, and secure within our environment. We provide a specialist level of teaching, 1:1 care and a range of resources to encourage the children in their individual interests, learning and development. Playschool runs Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 10 am – 1 pm.

For further details, email [email protected]

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Junior Gateway needs volunteers on Saturday morning’s from 09:30 – 12:30 to assist in setting-up the hall with games, art and crafts, cooking, reading, writing and other activities (indoors and out) to engage and entertain the children; we also take advantage of being situated in Moat Park as often as the weather will allow! You will help provide one-to-one support for children between the ages of 5-18. Children who need our help are those with autism, downs syndrome, learning and physical difficulties. We also need you to help tidy-up the hall at the end.

All new volunteers will be given an induction and regular training in communication, safeguarding, and positive behaviour support. Many volunteers hope to establish a career in teaching and medicine; experience volunteering with us is a great foundation for your future chosen career. Some volunteers go on to work at Youth Club and or Holiday Club and, when you first join, we will do our best to ensure you are paired with an experienced volunteer so they can help you settle in and answer any questions you might have. Please contact us if you are interested in helping us help those who need a fun and safe environment to enjoy their Saturday morning like any normal child.

For further details, email [email protected]

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Youth Club is a social club for young adults aged 16 to 18+ years with a learning difficulty or disability. The club runs two Thursday evenings per month from 6:30 – 8:30 pm.

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We have opportunities in our local community to go bowling, swimming, trampolining, or have art, cooking, music sessions, making full use of our big hall and the local delights of Mote Park.

For further details, email [email protected]

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Senior Gateway Club welcomes volunteers of all ages to help run our regular Friday night social activities. We need help with setting up and putting away equipment, serving in the tuck-shop, washing-up and, most of all, joining in with the activities – thus enabling our members to fully participate in the fun. All of our volunteers find it very rewarding.

For further details, email [email protected]

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