Volunteering
Volunteering Positions
The museum will be open to the public from January 2012. We require enthusiastic volunteers for days when the museum is open. This is an excellent opportunity to become involved the day to day activities of a unique independent museum specialising in the history of learning disability.
These opportunities are open to people with and without a learning disability.
At the moment we have received a large number of applications from people with a learning disability and will not be accepting any further applications for the moment.
We need volunteers for any of the following times:
September to April: Monday 1.45pm – 5.15pm | Saturday 9.15am – 1.45pm
May to August: Monday 9.45am – 5.15pm | Saturday 9.15am – 1.45pm
Expenses: travel expenses will be paid.
A CRB check will be required.
1. Museum Volunteers
Museum volunteers will usually be based in public rooms of the museum, and volunteer in pairs matched according to ability and interest.
The role can include any of the following activities, depending on volunteers’ choice and the needs of the day:
- Sharing information about exhibits and the building to visitors;
- Ensuring the safety of objects in the museum;
- Keeping rooms safe while the museum is open to the public;
- General signposting of visitors to other parts of the museum;
- General administration: creating leaflets, folding leaflets, preparing mail-outs;
- Writing: pieces for the website/social media sites;
- Reading/learning about the museum and about learning disabilities in general;
- Taking people on tours around the museum;
- Supporting their partner for the day to complete any of the volunteer tasks above;
- Serving refreshments and selling books;
- Any other tasks as required.
Skills and Experience Required:
- A passion for working in a local history and heritage environment;
- An understanding of some of the challenges and bonuses of working with people with learning disabilities;
- Patience, and an ability to ‘coach’ the best out of people;
- An ability to work with others.
2. Library Volunteers
The Langdon Down Museum is developing a small library resource. Key aspects of the role will include reviewing the current contents, sorting and cataloguing resources and helping to make the library useful to those in the building and visitors. There will also be potential to source new materials.
Main Tasks:
- Reviewing contents of the library
- Setting up cataloguing system
- Cataloguing materials
- Developing a system of recording materials out and returned
- Assisting the staff and public with queries
Skills and Experience Required
- Experience of cataloguing systems
- Possibly working towards a library qualification
How to apply
To apply please contact Ian Jones-Healey, the Langdon Down Museum Archivist. We will then send you a role description and application form.
Telephone: 0208 614 5100
Email: ian.jones-healey@downs-syndrome.org.uk
