Volunteer Centre Greenwich has run a Supported Volunteering Project for over ten years, supporting people with a range of needs including, disability, mental health issues, long term unemployment and barriers in social housing to enhance employment prospects by increasing their confidence, skills and experience. 

The current supported volunteering project supports adults in Greenwich with a learning disability or autism to access volunteering opportunities. The project works with individuals with more complex needs to access volunteering and community activities including a weekly walking group. For individuals with less complex needs the project works to provide them with skills and experiences which will help them to move into paid employment.

In the past five years, supporting over 150 Greenwich residents, 8 out of 10 participants have seen an improvement in their social, communication and life skills.

"Initially I felt nervous because it was new, but it helps me with new skills which could be beneficial later in life" (Mentee who now has two part-time paid jobs)

Our Supported Volunteering Project provides:

1. Bespoke volunteering opportunities with the potential for 1:1 mentor support while on placement.

2. Access to a trained mentor who works with their mentee to support them in identifying and working towards their agreed goals and move towards the next step in their employment journey.  All mentors have a Level 2 accredited qualification in Mentoring and VCG holds Mentoring and Befriending Provider Status demonstrating the standards that the project adheres to.

3. Access to an accredited Level 1 Employability Skills Course or Customer Services.

To find out more about the project contact us at [email protected] or apply for a place by completing the referral form below and emailing it to [email protected] 

Online referral form

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Why not volunteer for the Supported Volunteering Project as a Mentor?

We are always looking for new mentors to join our team. 

In the past, 100% of our mentors have told us they felt they had a stronger chance of paid employment after completing our 6 week accredited mentor training.  We have a 70% retention rate amongst our mentors "with regular supervision and support from the team, I always feel supported as a mentor at VCG" (current mentor).

For further information and to apply for the Mentoring Role please see here.

Apply for role

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Volunteer Mentors are required to provide support to mentees with learning disabilities to take part in volunteering opportunities.

Full accredited training is provided.

You will require a enhanced DBS check to volunteer as mentor, costs are covered by the Supported Volunteering Project

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