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Mencap (Royal Mencap Society)
1.5 million people in the UK have a learning disability. Our vision is for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives. There is still so much to do so that people with a learning disability have the same rights as everyone else and are treated equally in society.
Description

We are on the lookout for passionate volunteers to join us at one of our events. As a volunteer on the day you’ll be part of an amazing atmosphere and will support Mencap to make change through raising funds or engaging with your local community.

The 2026 Hackney Half is on May 17th, and we need volunteers to join us from 10am - 2pm to help cheer on our 49 incredible runners! You will see them run past our cheer point near the half way mark, giving you the chance to give them a massive cheer to boost and support them on their way. You will be given a pink t-shirt and cheering materials on the day to make a huge wave of noise to support #TeamMencap.

Our events are vital to Mencap, bringing people together to share experiences, launch programmes and celebrate successes! They also often help to raise funds for our services, such as the Learning Disability Helpline, advocacy services, and national campaigns such as "Homes Not Hospitals".

We hold lots of events throughout the year, including bike rides and runs from 10km all the way up to Marathons. We also do art showings, bucket collections, garden parties, Christmas wrapping sessions, and lots more!

We couldn't run these events without the support of volunteers, so by giving a few hours of your time you can help us to host events, raise vital funds to support Mencap's work and support people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

You'll be part of a diverse and inclusive team alongside volunteers with and without a learning disability. You will represent Mencap and help to promote our work and raise awareness for people with a learning disability at iconic events across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

As a Mencap Volunteer you will be:

  • Friendly and Approachable
  • Reliable, Kind and Patient
  • A good communicator (including listener)
  • Willing to volunteer within guidelines and to take direction where necessary
  • Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
  • Ready to be loud, cheer, and give high fives!

As a Mencap volunteer you will:

  • Make new friends
  • Receive agreed out of pocket expenses in line with our policy e.g. travel
  • Receive a full volunteer briefing and training on the day
  • Volunteer alongside our experienced
  • Have a chance to give back your local community
Duties

What will I be doing? You will be volunteering at Mencap's cheer point near Dalston Junction on May 17th. This might include:

  • Cheering our runners
  • Waving flags
  • Making lots of noise with clappers and whistles
  • Giving out high fives
  • Thanking people for running and raising money for Mencap
Who will the volunteers be working with?
Our experienced events team as well as other volunteers
Training
You will receive a full written and on the day briefing

Time commitment

The 2026 Hackney Half is on May 17th, and we need volunteers to join us from 10am - 2pm to help cheer on our 49 incredible runners!
Application deadline

This organisation is one of our community partner organisations.

Like all volunteer recruiters we work with, they have signed up to our service standards, agreeing to abide by our policy on partnership working to keep you safe and supported whilst you volunteer.

You’ll never be out of pocket for volunteering through us – with in-London travel expenses to and from your volunteering guaranteed.

In addition, the team here at Students’ Union UCL Volunteering Service is here to support you throughout your volunteering journey – you can get in touch with us at any time.