By Hannah Jolliffe

What's a busy charity to do when it's struggling to keep up with fundraising and marketing, let alone the mounting pile of administration tasks? Volunteers aren't always keen to get stuck into routine tasks like photocopying, envelope stuffing and mail outs, yet these are often the jobs that take the longest and require the least training.

Helping charities

Enter Volunteer Centre Westminster's mailing group. Running now for five years, the group is made up of volunteers with learning disabilities who visit charities on an ad hoc basis to help them with big mail outs. They turn up in the morning en masse to stuff envelopes and help with basic admin tasks like photocopying and franking. In return the charity provides lunch and by 3pm the job's done.

"For the charities, doing this kind of work is very time consuming, so they really appreciate the work being done," explains the group's co-ordinator, Louise Davies.

One such charity, West London Synagogue, has been involved with the group on an ongoing basis for three years. "We really couldn't manage without the mailing group," says Irene Levin. "They are now an integral part of our community life here at West London. They are always cheerful, chatty and on the ball, and they know exactly what they're doing."

What's in it for the volunteer?

But it's not all take, take, take. Sure, the charities are benefiting, but it's also a great opportunity for the volunteers to socialise, meet new people, experience different workplaces and learn about the aims and work of different charities.

Caroline, one of the group's newest volunteers is clear about why she's involved. "I find it very enjoyable. It's somewhere to go and something different to do," she says. "I like to see new faces and meet new people – even though I'm volunteering with people I know, I also meet new people at the organisation and they're always really nice."

The group was borne out of a desire from volunteers to learn more office skills. "A few people with learning disabilities had come in wanting to do office-based work and felt anxious about going out to work on their own, so we thought it would work well to go out in a group and support charities," Louise explains. "Many people with learning disabilities like routine, so basic admin tasks really suit them. Others might find it repetitive, but it's good for them to be in a routine. It helps to build the volunteers' confidence to do things they haven't done – some have gone off and worked independently for charities afterwards when the charity asks them to come back directly."

Jim, one of the group's long-standing volunteers, echoes this sentiment. "Volunteering isn't just about helping other people, it's about helping yourself as well. What you learn through your work, you can take on to further employment and throughout the rest of your life," he enthuses.

Breaking down barriers

It's not uncommon for organisations to be reluctant to integrate volunteers with learning disabilities – they're unsure about the volunteers' capabilities and how much assistance they will need. But, according to Louise, involving them in this way has really helped to change their opinions. "It improves awareness of what it's like to work with people with learning disabilities and helps to promote equal opportunities," she says.

"They seem to really enjoy our company too," adds Caroline. "They always thank us – as long as we get our jobs done!"

More information about Volunteering by people with learning by people with learning disabilities is available in a free booklet, Volunteering for Everyone (.pdf file), published by Volunteering England.

Search the do-it.org.uk database for admin volunteering opportunities in your area.

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