Community cafe manager jobs
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Responsible to: Longfield Hall Trust (‘LHT’) Board
Salary: paid monthly at rate of £27.50 per hour
Contract: 12 months, with potential for extension
Hours of Work: 14 hours a week (2 days per week) at least one of the days per week at Longfield Hall. We will launch an all-day café (10.30 to 3.30pm) on Thursday 4 September.
Background:
Longfield Hall Trust (LHT) manages the historic Longfield Hall, offering a range of cultural experiences and classes for all ages. Our new Memory Café project aims to support dementia patients and their carers by providing a welcoming space for social and recreational activities. The Café will offer dementia friendly activities (including karaoke, bingo, arts/crafts and immersive theatre/dance shows) to empower dementia patients to enjoy regular social, cognitive and physical activities.
Alongside supporting patients, the Memory Café will create a highly supportive environment for carers. This will enable carers to take some 'time out' while remaining nearby in a safe space where both carers and patients can socialize more widely. Furthermore, the Café will provide access to information about relevant local services, ensuring comprehensive support for all attendees.
We are also providing a dementia care-worker who will support the Memory Café manager and enable us to support a broad range of dementia patients and their carers.
Main duties and responsibilities:
Roles and responsibilities:
- To manage the Memory Café service for people living with dementia and their carers.
- To coordinate and deliver a stimulating programme of weekly sessions of the Memory Café at Longfield Hall together with our collaborators/partners/external agencies.
- To lead the coordination and facilitation of the Memory Café, providing a welcoming and supportive space.
- To undertake assessments, risk assessments and including home visits of new participants to ensure group suitability and engagement.
- To liaise with carers, family members, and professionals to support participant wellbeing.
- To help plan and deliver a range of personalised activities to create a lively and stimulating environment.
- To take responsibility for evaluating the service and report writing.
- To take the lead in the team for the implementation of a comprehensive service of care and support for participants.
- To ensure all sessional facilitators have materials required for sessions by liaising with Memory Café Care Worker.
- To actively participate in the development of improvements for the service.
- To support people with care needs, including those living with mild - moderate dementia and complex needs.
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To understand the changing needs of older people, including those with mild to moderate to advanced Dementia.
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To arrange transport as needed.
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To assist with handling monies for transport and reimbursement
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To provide dementia advice and support signposting and making referrals to external agencies as and when the need arises.
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Awareness of safeguarding, and health and safety responsibilities.
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To build referral relationships with external agencies.
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To recruit, train and supervise volunteers.
Longfield Hall is a classic village/community hall but also a small-scale performance venue.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
At our Safe Space Cafe, we believe in the power of connection and understanding. Join us in making a positive impact in the lives of our clients through this key role which will provide a warm welcome to all accessing mental health support.
What you’ll do
- Provide a supportive Safe Space Café as part of our warm welcome for people accessing our services
- Work collaboratively with the Connecting Communities team to signpost people to local services, activities, and events.
- Support people with mental health issues to develop employment skills through volunteering and work-based placements in the Safe Space Café
- Support trainees, apprentices and volunteers on placements in the Safe Space Café
See the job pack for full details
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About the role
This is a fixed-term opportunity for an experienced Charity Shop Manager to join our team at our Exeter-based charity.
This new role will combine providing support and/or absence cover to our existing shops, along with getting involved in other opportunities for growth and development across the retail team (e.g. volunteering). Working in the shops may involve working to support the shop manager, or stepping in for them at short notice (and quickly getting to grips with their shop, processes, staff, volunteers and customers). This will be balanced according to business needs.
The nature of this role means that you will need to be capable of both leading or being part of a team consisting of shop assistants and volunteers.
There will also be times when you will be working on your own or with our Head of Retail and Enterprise at our Exeter base. The most important thing is that you will be helping us to achieve and exceed business targets for sales, growth and profits.
You will be based either at one of our charity shops, or at our main base in Exeter (to be discussed at interview).
About you
We’re looking for someone with prior management experience in charity retail, and demonstrable knowledge of the sector and its challenges. You will be self-motivated, commercially aware with a creative eye for displays, and constantly seeking new business opportunities. You will be comfortable with both acting as shop manager, and supporting the existing shop team, depending on the situation.
You will have excellent interpersonal, communication and customer care skills and be a person who motivates their team and creates a safe and energetic working environment.
There is a need to travel to different shops in Exeter and East Devon (depending on business needs) so a driving licence and willingness to drive InFocus vehicles is important.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
As Senior Grants Manager, Environment and Communities, you will identify, assess, and manage grants that contribute to these evolving areas of interest.
A particular focus of the role will be developing strategic grants and partnerships that contribute to Environmental Sustainability. This is a developing area of interest, supporting activity that restores the natural environment and enabling practices such as nature friendly farming and community growing. Current grantees include the Sustainable Food Trust, the Wildlife Trust, and local farmer clusters.
The Foundation has recently launched a ‘Green Fund’ pilot, supporting Buckinghamshire grantees to deliver progress in environmental sustainability. The role will lead on the delivery of this programme.
As well as developing relationships with external stakeholders you will also closely collaborate with colleagues, making connections between grants and activities at Waddesdon Manor. In particular, working closely with the Rothschild Foundation’s Sustainability and Conservation Department and the Education & Learning Department.
The role will also support the development and assessment of grants to the Rothschild Foundation’s Community Fund which is open to not for profit organisations in Buckinghamshire who support local communities, with a particular focus on disadvantage.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic development of our Environment programme, including current explorations in community growing, nature friendly farming and nature restoration.
- Leading on the delivery of a ‘Green Fund’ pilot, supporting grantees and funded activities. This will include working closely with the Evaluation and Impact Manager and Operations Manager to review the programme and make recommendations for future delivery to Grants Committee
- Maintaining an overview of the portfolio of ‘Environment’ grants, sharing learning and identifying connections across grantees
- Keeping up to date on sector development, identify funding gaps, and emerging opportunities.
- Identifying and supporting potential applicants, conducting visits, guiding proposal development, and ensuring due diligence standards are met
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with grantees, conducting six-monthly catch up conversations, visiting funded activity and acting as a ‘critical friend’
- Supporting the delivery of our Communities funding, including assessment of applications to the Community Fund and occasional Trustee related community grants
- Producing regular updates for Trustees, including project updates and data insights, and contribute to creative ways of sharing the impact of our funding
You will be a great fit if...
You are a highly motivated, dynamic, and experienced individual with experience in thinking and working strategically. You will also be used to taking the lead to develop new areas of work, and have experience working in environmental or conservation sectors with a strong understanding of nature-based solutions and ecological restoration.
You have a genuine commitment to tackling inequality and supporting under represented groups as well.
Please view our full job description for more details.
Our areas of interest are Arts and Culture and Regenerative Food and Farming, where we make a number of multi-year investments each year.




Are you passionate about tackling food poverty and reducing food waste? Are you interested in joining a team of volunteers making a tangible and positive difference to their local community?
Laurence’s Larder is a small, dynamic and beloved local charity that feeds over 300 people a week. Working with a vibrant team of over 90 volunteers Laurence’s Larder provides a weekly food parcel service, two-course sit down meal, clothes bank, art café and access to support and advice services.
Laurence’s Larder is non-referral and open to all, we bring people together, alleviating both social isolation and food poverty, while utilising surplus food. We are also endeavouring to help address some of the underlying needs that contribute to food poverty, and continue to add more support services to our offerings.
Our warm welcome and non-judgmental approach means that we can help our guests to begin to meet their daily needs with not only dignity but practical help.
We are looking for an individual who shares these values for the role of Operations Manager; to oversee the day-to-day running of our services, leading and supporting the volunteers to do this, ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety & food hygiene standards, support the Project Director to achieve agreed outcomes and goals.
We are currently looking at expanding our services by adding an additional service day a week on Tuesdays. This role provides the unique opportunity to be a part of the creation of this service.
If you are someone who loves being part of a team, is interested in food and sustainability, then this is the role for you. This is not a 9-to-5 desk job, this is a role for someone who enjoys being active, thinking on their feet and getting “stuck in”.
Our ideal candidate would have experience working with a team, but also self-motivated and capable of working with minimal supervision. Strong organisational and planning skills, as well as good people management and interpersonal skills are essential. Understanding or experience of the voluntary sector would be helpful, as would customer service experience.
This is an exciting opportunity to be a part of an enthusiastic team committed to positively impacting the community around them, if you are similarly motivated to making a difference please apply now!
Please note:
We are seeking someone who can commence their employment with us in September.
This role is typically Monday – Thursday 9.00am – 5.00pm / 5.30pm
How to apply for the role:
Please send us your CV (or equivalent), a letter of application telling us how you meet the person specification above and why the role interests you. You also need to provide us, at the time of applying, the names and contact details (phone number, email address) of two referees, one of whom must be their most recent employer. We will not contact your current employer without letting you know in advance.
Applications should be sent by 5.00pm on August 25th
We are absolutely committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome all applications from all suitably qualified persons and those with lived experience. We will make reasonable adjustments to the selection process for any qualified applicant who contacts us with a request.
If you want to understand more about us, or have questions about the role, or request reasonable adjustments, please send an email to our Info email account giving us your name and a contact phone number and we will respond as soon as possible.
Please upload your CV and a cover letter outlining why the role interests you and how you meet the person specification by Monday 25th August at 5.00pm.
You’ll also need to include the names and contact details of two referees (one must be your most recent employer). We will not contact your current employer without letting you know in advance.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from all backgrounds — especially those with lived experience. We’re happy to make reasonable adjustments to the process if needed.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
At Northampton Students’ Union, we’re building a more connected, inclusive student experience, and we need a creative, energetic organiser to help make it happen.
As our Events & Community Coordinator, you’ll design and deliver a packed schedule of daytime events that help students build friendships, feel at home on campus, and make the most of their university life. From social sports and quiz afternoons to crafts and board games, you’ll be at the heart of what makes Northampton fun.
You’ll also be in charge of bringing life to the Engine Shed, our on-campus café/bar, turning it into a social hub where students come to relax, recharge, and belong.
But this role goes beyond the campus gates. You’ll work closely with local businesses and community groups to bring exciting new opportunities and partnerships to our students, creating events and activities that connect them to the wider town, and foster a real sense of place in Northampton.
If you’ve got a talent for events, a passion for student life, and the confidence to build relationships that make a difference, this is your chance to shape something special.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
- Develop and deliver a rolling programme of inclusive daytime events, including casual sports, entertainment, craft/hobby sessions, and intramural activities with student clubs.
- Plan and run engaging events in the Engine Shed café/bar to increase footfall and create a social campus environment.
- Build partnerships with local businesses and community groups to increase student engagement with the wider town and develop town-centre activations.
- Coach and Support our Elected Officers with their independent campaign and event work, ensuring synergy between one’s own work, and that of the elected team.
- Promote all events through digital channels and on-campus marketing.
- Complete thorough risk assessments for all events, ensuring health, safety, and accessibility are prioritised.
- Maintain accurate records of activities, feedback, and attendance to evaluate and improve impact.
- Support wider Students’ Union events and cross-team campaigns as needed.
- Support the Marketing Manager with the delivery of Open Day events and activities.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you passionate about building safety and ready to lead from the front? This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact as the Building Safety Manager for YMCA Thames Gateway Group. In this role you'll have the exciting challenge of shaping and leading a team focused on responding to the increased importance of building safety and compliance. You'll oversee a diverse portfolio of 38 properties, ranging from hostels and self-supported accommodation to nurseries, youth centre, a gym, and a café. You will ensure the safety, compliance, and operational integrity of these sites, directly influencing the wellbeing of the communities and beneficiaries we serve. As part of this role, you will: Build and lead a team that responds to and manages safety and compliance issues across our properties. Influence change by embedding best practices in building safety and compliance. Be pivotal in ensuring a secure environment, meeting regulatory requirements while maintaining a community-focused approach. Join us at YMCA Thames Gateway Group and play a leading role in keeping our properties safe for everyone. This is your chance to shape the future of building safety within a mission-driven organisation.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This is a rewarding opportunity to lead the development of this new department which is focused on providing excellent experiences and opportunities within our Community Centres for local people, in ways that generate income, and helps support the financial sustainability of the charity. You will shape and grow our Community Centre offers, focusing on what local people value and would like to have available within our centres, whilst upholding the charity’s values and long-term vision.
Reporting to the CEO, this position is responsible for leading our Centres & Events Team, which includes the Facilities Team (who maintain and develop our buildings), the Front of House Team (who welcome people and provide information, along with managing room hire), our community Events Manager, our Catering & Café Teams, plus Design and Communications Team.
As part of our Senior Management Team, you will also help shape the wider strategy and culture of the organisation, working cross-departmentally and contributing to the development of our annual budgets.
Who we are
We are a well-established charity and community anchor organisation, based across two sites in Southville and Bedminster. Through our centres, café, nursery, and community programmes, we work to improve the wellbeing, health, happiness, and sense of belonging of people living in the local area.
We’re passionate about helping our staff grow, whether that’s through professional development or creating space to thrive in their roles.
Who you are
You are a systems and process-orientated leader, able to bring teams together to create a cohesive, efficient and effective whole. You bring:
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Strong leadership, organisational, commercial and communication skills.
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Experience in organising diverse areas of operation and developing efficient systems and processes.
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An ability to empower others to lead and make decisions.
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Creativity and confidence to develop new offers in response to local needs.
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A desire to support the financial sustainability of the charity.
Your ability to develop efficient, effective and integrated systems and processes with your teams, as well as to identify offers that local people will engage with, value and pay for within our Community Centres, will be essential to your success in this role.
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging
We are committed to ensuring Equality of opportunity and access, celebrating Diversity, and promoting Inclusion and Belonging. This commitment is vital, not only for our service users, but for our staff and the community we serve.
Contract Type: Permanent.
Hours: 37.5 hours per week.
Salary: £38,987.69 per annum.
Holidays: 31 days including Bank Holidays, plus additional long-service leave (capped).
Benefits: Pension scheme, subsidised under-fives childcare, employee assistance programme, training and development opportunities.
Closing Date: Monday 11th August.
Interviews: Week commencing 18th August.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Hours: 37 hours a week
Salary: £44,100 per annum
Location: Hybrid/Flexible – with Kings Weald Community Centre, Burgess Hill, West Sussex as your main base and travel across our centres in Brighton, Haywards Heath, Bognor Regis and Horsham as needed
Closing Date: Tuesday 26th August 2025, midday
Interview Date: w/c 1st September 2025
Are you a strategic, commercially savvy leader who’s passionate about making a difference?
We are looking for a dynamic and commercially minded leader to join us as Head of Business Development, a pivotal role driving innovation, income growth and community impact at Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove. This is a dynamic, multi-faceted role that blends operational leadership with strategic oversight – perfect for someone who thrives on variety, enjoys building partnerships, and wants to shape services that matter.
You will be based at Kings Weald Community Centre, where you will lead the transformation of the site into a thriving community hub. From growing our commercial catering and room hire offer to developing new membership models and service lines, you will be at the heart of our mission to help people act now, to age better. You will take a lead role in growing and evolving our new customer membership platform by shaping offers, securing partnerships, and building a local business directory that brings real value to our community.
You will lead talented teams spanning Catering, Marketing & Comms, and our Gym and Centre staff – embedding a culture of collaboration, innovation and customer focus.
What You Will Do
- Lead and grow commercial income streams across our hubs – from catering to room hire as well as launching services at our new hubs including Power of Attorney work
- Act as Centre Manager for Kings Weald, building it into a vibrant and inclusive community space
- Oversee the development and promotion of our membership scheme, working closely with Marketing and Customer Services teams
- Identify and secure new commercial opportunities and partnerships particularly for our customer membership platform and business directory
- Collaborate with internal teams across Customer Services, Compliance and Fundraising to ensure joined-up delivery and maximum impact
- Use data and insight to shape pricing, offers and service design
- Manage budgets, contracts and supplier relationships with confidence and care
What You Will Bring
- A proven track record in business development and income generation, ideally within the charity or social enterprise sector
- Experience leading commercial teams, with knowledge of catering, marketing or membership offers
- A customer-first mindset, with strong communication and people management skills
- Confidence using data, systems and insights to drive improvements and results
- Strategic thinking combined with hands-on delivery – you roll up your sleeves and get things done
- Comfortable working with digital systems and data insights to inform decision-making and measure impact
- ·A driving licence and access to your own car – this is a role that gets out and about
What We Will Offer
· The chance to shape high-impact services and contribute to a mission that matters
· A supportive, values-driven organisation where innovation is encouraged
· A flexible, supportive team with big plans and a collaborative mindset
· Condensed hours may be considered after six months (note: job share not available)
How to Apply
To apply, please read the full Job Description and get to know us at Welcome to Age UK West Sussex, Brighton and Hove. Then, submit your tailored CV and a covering letter (no more than 3 pages) explaining how you meet the person specification. We love innovation (yes, we use AI too!), but most of all, we want to hear your voice. For any questions, contact Michelle Peel, Commercial Director.
Please note applications without a cover letter will not be shortlisted.
Alternatively you can download our application form Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove website under current vacancies.
If you are shortlisted, we will carry out DBS and reference checks before appointment.
Need support with your application? Contact us for any help required.
Benefits
We value our team and offer a brilliant benefits package, including:
· Flexible working options
· Ongoing professional development
· 28 days annual leave + bank holidays (pro rata for part-time roles)
· Blue Light Card eligibility
· BUPA Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
· 4% auto-enrolment pension with life assurance
· Cycle to Work Scheme
· Electric Vehicle Scheme
Who We Are
At Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove, we are here for people as they age—helping them stay connected and stay independent. From community cafes to advice services, fitness classes to wellbeing calls, we support people aged 50+ (and sometimes younger too).
We are a fast-moving, impact-focused charity where flexibility, innovation and purpose drive everything we do.
Diversity & Inclusion
We are proud to be building a diverse and inclusive team that reflects the communities we serve. We want you to feel welcome, respected and able to be your full self, whether you are applying, volunteering, or working with us.
If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, just let us know, we will make it work for you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Yateley Industries is a unique and ambitious charity which has provided employment in our factory, training, accommodation and community engagement for disabled and neurodivergent adults for over 90 years. Our mission is to create a more inclusive society where everyone can thrive.
Under the new management, the charity has developed additional activities, including Community Hub, Food pantry and Café, and is looking to reestablish the design and printing roots of the organisation. We have a new set of trustees, a dynamic leadership team, a re-energised workforce and a strategy for the development of our site.
While our history is long, our fundraising journey has only recently begun. The dedicated fundraising function was only established two years ago and in that short time, we've grown income from under £60,000 to £300-350,000 per year. That’s a testament to what’s possible here - and it’s just the beginning.
An opportunity has arisen to join Yateley’s entrepreneurial management team in the position of Trusts & Grants Manager, taking over and further developing on the strong foundations that have been laid in the last few years. There is still much to build and plenty of challenges to navigate but we believe this is a once in a career opportunity to shape a high-impact, high-potential function from the inside out.
If you're ambitious and want to leave a legacy, this is your moment.
Please submit an up to date CV and a Cover Letter of no more than two sides of A4, outlining why you are a good fit for the role. Make sure to reference your skills and experience to the Job Description.
To provide high-quality accommodation, meaningful employment, training and enriching opportunities for disabled and neurodivergent adults.




Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you passionate about people and want to work in a growing team in a Charity that makes a difference every day to people’s lives and the environment? Then joining the Groundwork North Wales Group could be just what you have been looking for.
We are looking for an HR Manager with excellent organisational and communication skills alongside a strong understanding of employment legislation and its application in the workplace. If this sounds like you then we look forward to discussing your application!
Reporting to the Head of HR & Governance, the HR Manager will take responsibility for the operational delivery of the Groundwork North Wales Group’s HR activities and initiatives. With a strong knowledge of all aspects of HR, the postholder will provide proactive, practical support on day-to-day operations across the Group.
Please view the recruitment pack and visit the Groundwork North Wales website for more details.
Closing Date: Wednesday 6th August 2025 @ 5pm
Interviews: Thursday 14th or Friday 15th August 2025
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job Title: Health and Wellbeing Senior Project Coordinator - Physical Health (Fixed Term)
Department: Health and Wellbeing
Reports to: Senior Manager for Health and Wellbeing
Salary: £26,000- £28,000 (Dependent on Experience)
Contract: Fixed term (12 months)
Closing Date: 10th August 2025
About Us:
With community work spanning three decades, Brentford FC Community Sports Trust has established itself as a pioneering organisation for the local community. It uses the power of sport to educate, motivate and inspire people from all walks of life.
Working in partnership with Brentford FC, the Trust offers a portfolio of programmes in education, health, sports participation and community engagement. The Trust has won the ‘Football League Community Club of the Year’ award four times and now employs more than 100 members of staff.
The Role:
We are passionate about using sport as a hook to engage communities and inspire them to be more active and socially connected.
We are looking for an ambitious, personable and experienced Senior Project Coordinator who can work with a proactive approach to coordinate and deliver impactful programmes that improve health outcomes, with a specific focus on physical health.
The Health and Wellbeing Senior Project Coordinator will oversee a portfolio of high quality, accessible community-based programmes including On Your Side and Brentford Welcomes, working with specific target groups including refugees and people seeking asylum, mental health service users and adults aged 55+. They will also support the Bee a Hero project, designed to raise awareness of the need for more blood donors, with a particular focus on people of Black Heritage.
In addition, we are opening a Clubhouse Café in Gunnersbury Park in Summer 2025 and the successful candidate will work on innovative social impact programmes linked to the Clubhouse Café. This is an exciting opportunity to join an ambitious, forward-thinking department and play a pivotal role in improving health outcomes through new and existing projects.
The ideal candidate will be self-motivated and enjoy working with autonomy. They will also be confident working in a fast-paced environment and will have efficient time management skills. Innovative approaches to session design and promotion of activities to varying target audiences will be important as well as building networks and inspiring engagement.
Capacity to work some unsociable hours, including evenings and weekends, is necessary.
Brentford FCCST is an organisation which values and is passionate about diversity and inclusivity. We welcome and encourage applications from qualified candidates, including those from underrepresented groups – such as those from ethnically diverse backgrounds, women, those from the LGBTQ+ community and those with disabilities.
Should you require any workplace accommodations (also known as ‘reasonable adjustments), you will have the opportunity to let us know at the appropriate points in the hiring process.
Please note that where appropriate for the role, you will be required to complete additional background checks such as Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and police checks for any time you have lived or worked outside of the UK in the last 10 years.
If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position
Action for Refugees in Lewisham (AFRIL) are recruiting for a Community Activities Coordinator to join our growing, dynamic organisation. This exciting new role will sit within AFRIL's busy Casework and Advocacy Service, working collaboratively with our asylum seeking and recently granted refugee clients to plan and deliver a range of activities, improving wellbeing and community solidarity.
We are looking for a good people person, able to engage and inspire others, who demonstrates a collaborative approach to working with a range of stakeholders and in particular AFRIL clients who come from a variety of backgrounds. The postholder will be highly organised, have good project planning and execution skills, and a good working knowledge of the issues affecting refugees and asylum seekers in the UK. Community language skills are an asset.
About AFRIL
Action for Refugees in Lewisham (AFRIL) is a registered charity that supports asylum seekers, refugees, and vulnerable migrants in South East London. We support people to lift themselves out of poverty, assert their rights and rebuild their lives in the heart of our community. We provide both crisis support to meet immediate need, and longer-term, flexible programmes to tackle the underlying problems that lead people to be in crisis, supporting people to integrate, contribute and thrive. Our work is grounded in the values of professionalism, inclusivity, and solidarity. Our clients are at the heart of what we do and our approach is one of co-production and empowerment.
AFRIL delivers the following core services in the London Boroughs of Lewisham, Greenwich, Southwark, Bexley and Bromley:
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Rainbow Club Supplementary School - providing weekly supplementary education in English and Maths, arts, music and sports activities to children from refugee, migrant and asylum seeking backgrounds from 4-11 years old, plus youth volunteering programme and Youth Council (NRCSE and Sanctuary Status).
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Casework and Advocacy Service: providing AQS accredited advice, casework and legal interventions in asylum support, community care, housing, welfare benefits and related matters. Pre-Action Protocol letters to challenge unlawful public law decisions. The service currently provides Level 1 immigration advice under the Immigration Advice Agency.
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Destitution Support - a fortnightly Food Bank in partnership with St Peter’s Church providing food, food vouchers, toiletries, and other essentials, alongside a warm hub with free cafe, information and support. Small grants for essential items and cash payments for food in emergencies. Securing and distributing gifts in kind, e.g. winter coats, laptops and data.
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Allotment of Refuge - a welcoming community of food growers that supports improved health, wellbeing and integration of members, whilst protecting the local environment.
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Immigration Project in partnership with Southwark Law Centre, providing free legal advice and representation to support people to regularise their immigration status.
We also use our frontline experience, together with our clients, to engage in Policy and influencing work to improve the services and policies that impact our client group. This includes advising the GLA on 3 asylum related working groups, and as a member of the London Housing Panel.
AFRIL is an equal opportunities employer. We are a diverse staff team and particularly encourage applications from BAME candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and those with lived experience of asylum/irregular migration. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support our staff to flourish.
We are proud to be a member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network which aims to increase representation of people with lived experience in the charitable sector. Please feel free to use their information and resources which may help in preparing your job application.
Please read full Job Description and Person Specification. Applications will only be accepted through CharityJob - please submit a CV and cover letter (no more than 2 sides of A4) detailing how you meet the person specification.
Please submit your CV and a cover letter – no more than two sides of A4 – detailing how you meet the person specification for the role by 23:30 on Monday 25th August 2025.
We support asylum seekers, refugees and vulnerable migrants to lift themselves out of poverty and rebuild their lives in the heart of our community.




We are the Wandsworth representative of the national City of Sanctuary (CoS) charity. This project will support the committee and expand our activities in the voluntary and community sector and elsewhere to build commitment to Sanctuaries in the Borough. Wandsworth has a small but active network supporting refugees. The existing sanctuaries include a theatre, cafe and shop. Our Wandsworth libraries are en route to become sanctuaries and there is active interest from schools and faith groups. The contract is initially for 62 days over one year. We are seeking additional funding to expand to three days/week and continue beyond one year. Please see our facebook and instagram pages for job opportunities.
Background to the project
The Project is supported by Wandsworth Council as a Borough of Sanctuary and by Lewisham Refugee and Migrant Network (LRMN). Note that for the year 2025 Wandsworth is the London Borough of Culture.
Wandsworth Welcomes Refugees is a charity and operates primarily on a voluntary basis. We aim to make Wandsworth a welcoming place for those seeking sanctuary to feel safe, supported and part of our community. WWR is part of the City of Sanctuary movement and is the accredited organization in Wandsworth. We work with voluntary and community sector (VCS) and other organisations to encourage and support those wishing to reach out to refugees. We liaise with those interested in finding out more, offering general support, offering general support, or seeking to become accredited with City of Sanctuary.
Objectives of the project
The project will support the WWR committee activities and objectives. It will expand WWR reach and contacts in the VCS and other appropriate places and organisations. It will raise the profile of the sanctuary movement and encourage active participation by various organisations to create welcoming communities for people seeking sanctuary. Participation can range from an interest and small steps through to becoming accredited with City of Sanctuary.
Wandsworth and Sanctuaries
Sanctuaries include community groups, private organizations, public sector services, and individuals, united in their commitment to supporting those fleeing violence and persecution. Wandsworth is a Borough of Sanctuary, and the accredited organisations at present include a theatre, café and shop. Wandsworth libraries and some faith groups and schools are in the process of applying to become accredited. There is interest from other theatres, shops, sporting facilities and many others.
Role of the Community Engagement Officer
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Assist the committee to increase its outreach and communication with interested organisations across the Borough
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Join monthly committee meeting to report and plan
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Meet and liaise with the key refugee support organisations in Wandsworth and a small number in other London boroughs
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Organise an on-line Meet-Up for sharing and support ‘clinics’ (every 4-6 weeks); develop a launch for this event
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Liaise with the committee Events Group fundraising and events activities
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Liaise with and include lived experience into outreach and activities (WWR has a small advisory group
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Liaise with committee members represented on the Council’s ‘Migration Forum’
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Liaise with the organisations accredited with CoS in Wandsworth: CoS asks accredited organisations share activities and learning
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Assist in planning and implementing activities during Refugee Week (June)
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Participate in the annual City of Sanctuary Annual Conference
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Assist organisation of Annual General Meeting (in 2026 date to be decided)
WWR is applying for additional funds and if successful will increase the contracted time of the CEO and allow more time for this role and to widen the brief.
Person specification
Essential experience
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Proven organisational ability and experience to manage a project (including budget and finances)
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Ability to identify and engage with organisations that could contribute expand commitment to Sanctuary in Wandsworth
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Good communication skills
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Ability to use social media, including posting to WWR website
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Ability to reach out to those with lived experience to bring into the project
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A commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice.
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Understand issues behind migration and the impacts that lead people to become refugees
Desirable experience
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Knowledge and understanding of the goals of the Sanctuary movement
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Experience of working effectively with a Chair and Board of Trustees
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Campaign and advocacy experience,
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Experience of evaluating a project
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Start date: asap
Key responsibilities:
- Catering for the Abbey resident team
- Catering for all Abbey bookings (including events, retreats, Abbey Café)
- Cleaning down the kitchen
- Overseeing all aspects of Food Safety and Health and Safety in the Abbey kitchen, including assisting the Abbey Manager for liaising with VoWH EHO inspectors and supporting further development of Food Safety and Health & Safety procedures, as they relate to catering, where needed
- Overseeing supplies ordering and stock control liaising with the Abbey Manager
- Liaising with the Abbey Manager to ensure accurate budgeting and cost control
- Leading menu planning and ensuring that the catering service at The Abbey supports the delivery of that part of our mission which aims to demonstrate ways of living that are healthy and ecologically sustainable
- Making the most of The Abbey kitchen garden and working with the garden volunteer team to plan and ensure that The Abbey kitchen garden is as productive as possible and that as much of the produce as possible from the kitchen garden is used in creating seasonal menus
Please see job description for further information.