Summer holidays are something that most of us take for granted, but there are thousands of children and adults for whom a holiday is a real luxury.

These are people who have a learning disability ,, people who need the support of others in order to enjoy a break from their normal routine.

The Mencap Holiday Service needs volunteers to support people with a learning disability on holidays throughout England and North Wales.

These holidays could be in a seaside guest house or hotel, or they could involve some sort of specialist activity such as dry slope skiing, canoeing, abseiling, watersports, horse riding and the various attractions and activities provided by holiday centres.

All we ask is that you have a genuine interest in supporting people with a learning disability to have fun. This means providing day to day support to holiday makers on a one-to-one or small group basis.

We want you to help holiday makers to explore new opportunities or try out new activities.

All volunteers are supported by a Mencap holiday coordinator and the service manager.

They also receive distance learning packs containing useful information before they start.

I have been involved with Mencap for many years and know what a difference a holiday makes to someone with a learning disability.

Why don't you do something different this summer? Your time could mean a holiday of a lifetime for someone else.

To find out more about voluntary work for Mencap please phone on 020 7454 0454 or write to Mencap, 123 Golden Lane, London, EC1Y 0RT. Alternatively, you can find the Mencap website at: www.mencap.org.uk

Lord Rix,

Mencap.