Match and Mentor is a community-based project located in Norfolk that offers personalised volunteer opportunities and other activities to people with a learning disability or additional support needs.

The project aims to encourage people with a learning disability or additional needs to participate in activities that interest them and play an active role in their community. Match and Mentor provides a way for volunteers to get involved in their local community, meet new people, and learn new skills that can be used in different areas of their lives.

We recently had a chat with Chad, a volunteer with Match and Mentor and with Project Manager, Helen. Chad, who has autism, doesn’t always feel comfortable talking about himself, however, he was very happy to speak to us about volunteering at Match and Mentor and how it has helped him connect with the local community and grow in confidence.

“I started volunteering in August 2023, so it’s been six months which has gone by really fast. I was recommended to join Match and Mentor and went to meet with Helen at our local Costa. Over coffee Helen chatted about Match and Mentor, explaining the project and what I would be doing as a volunteer.  The way Helen described the project made me think that yeah, I could do this. That sounds like something I want to be part of.

So, I did the induction and training and started from there. I really enjoy volunteering at Match and Mentor and look forward to going there two days a week. I volunteer three days a week when I take part in  Dungeons and Dragons which is every other week.

This week I’m taking part in a Dungeons and Dragons session for service users and I also accompany someone from the bus in the morning, to our office so that they can participate in the activities. You get the rewarding feeling that you’re making a difference in your local area. I enjoy helping to organise the activities and support people to get involved.”

Helen has noticed a significant improvement in Chad’s confidence since he began volunteering with Match and Mentor. “Chad’s confidence has grown ever since he started volunteering with us. Initially, he used to avoid eye contact and appeared uncomfortable while holding conversations. But now, he has become much better at it; he is generally more comfortable and confident. Even the way he carries himself has changed, as he now walks with more purpose and confidence.”

For Chad volunteering provides a sense of fulfillment and a chance to make a positive impact in his community; “Growing up in care, I know the value of life and reassurance. I love being involved and recommend volunteering, especially with Match and Mentor which has been just as effective as therapy for me.”