Help Youth Volunteer Volunteer Roles

Nova New Opportunities is a grassroots community charity operating in North Kensington – London, since 1983. Serving over 2k+ individuals per year, we help people to realise their potential through education and employment, offering life-affirming opportunities to families and children, and engaging over 2,000 people through social change events such as The School of Humanity and TEDx Ladbroke Grove, aimed to build human connections for a stronger, more cohesive society. 

We are currently evolving our brand positioning to amplify our reach and better demonstrate our impact to potential funders and supporters. For this, we need YOU, talented Volunteer Photographer, to create a fresh set of photos that authentically capture the spirit of Nova and the communities we serve.

Unleash Your Creative Spark for Social Change: Calling all photographers passionate about purpose and impact!

Are you: 

• An early photographer, eager to translate your passion into real-world experience? Craving to grow your portfolio while working with purpose for social impact.

• An experienced photographer, seeking to leverage your skills and lend your expertise to a cause that sparks your social conscience. 

If you answered "yes" to either, then get ready to: 

• Dive deep into our brand evolution, to develop a cohesive set of photos that reflect Nova's values and resonate with diverse target audiences. 

• Craft compelling images that can be used across print, digital, and social media platforms (from impactful campaign graphics to corporate branding and website revamps).

• Collaborate closely with our brand manager and wider Nova team, ensuring your photos align with our mission and strategy. 

• For more information, read the Photography Briefing attached to this job post.

RELEVANT SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• To have access to a camera or equipment capable of taking high-quality pictures and with varied depth-of-field settings.

• Basic experience with photography skills such as portraits, event photography, group photos, light management.

• Flexible and able to adapt to different social settings and environments.

• Reliable and self-motivated to work autonomously, and as part of a supportive team working remotely.  

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Volunteering remotely: We'll agreed times and dates in which events would take place for you to attend and take photos, however meetings and post-production work can take place remotely, at a time that suits you. You'll also have the opportunity to participate in-person at strategic team meetings and activities. 

• Some expenses paid: travel expenses to-from an event will be covered with receipt upon mutual agreement of time/date/location, as well as meals and refreshments (T&Cs apply to all expenses claimed). While some events will also provide lunch to the staff, including volunteers. 

• Make a tangible difference: The satisfaction of knowing your creative spark ignites positive social change. 

• Hands-on experience managing shoots in various types of social settings, from concept to completion. Honing your project management and story-telling skills. 

• A platform to showcase your talent and enrich your portfolio with real-world impact. 

• Expand your network and boost your resume, showcase your commitment to social impact and stand out from the crowd. 

• Whether you're a junior photographer eager for hands-on experience or a seasoned pro, if you’re looking to flex your creative muscles for a good cause, we welcome you to join the Nova family.

Let's make a visual splash together. Ready to unleash your creative force for a cause that matters? 

Send your CV and/or portfolio with a short cover letter explaining why you're the perfect fit for Nova. No CV? No worries, a basic summary of previous experiences will suffice – We're an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at Nova. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates. We can't wait to meet you and embark on this transformative journey together! 

Get Out There groups are a growing division of Sense that cater for children between 6 and 16 with complex needs. We provide a 4 hour social setting which caters for children and families who need respite. We offer activities such as games, puzzles, arts and crafts, experiments, cookery and sensory play. We aim to tailor sessions to the needs, interests and abilities of the children we support and put pupil voice at the center of all we do. 

As a volunteer you'll make sure that everyone has a great time and can make the most of the activities on offer. You'll need lots of energy, a warm and welcoming personality and to be happy getting stuck in to a wide range of tasks and activities, all of which make sure that everyone has the best day they can together. 

What your role will involve

• Taking part in activities alongside disabled young people. You could be joining creative activities, movement or sports session, trips out in to the local community or seasonal themed activities. 
• Helping to set up the activities at the start of the day, clear away at the end and keep activities safe, clean and running smoothly throughout.
• Helping to welcome young people to the group, find their way around and between activities, enjoy breaks and lunchtime and generally have a great day with the team and Sense.

A basic / enhanced Disclosure & Barring check will be required for this volunteer role. 

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Fun and friendly and confident to meet and spend time with disabled young people.
• Willing to develop the knowledge and skills to communicate with young people who have multi sensory impairments and who may use a wide range of communication methods
• Able to work well in a team and be flexible about the role you play during the day depending on what’s needed by individuals and activities
• Reliable and punctual.
• Committed to providing support in a way that offers choice, independence and dignity
• We welcome volunteers of all ages to this role who are able to create an inclusive and welcoming peer environment for everyone involved in the group. 

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• Induction information to prepare you for your role, a briefing at the start of each event, and lots of on-site support and guidance from our experienced staff team who will be running the day
• Agreed out of pocket expenses to be reimbursed, in line with Sense policy
• The chance to get to know new people, try new activities in your local community and to have lots of fun taking part together 
• To develop new skills and knowledge about communicating and working with children and young people with complex communication needs and multi-sensory impairment 
• To know you’re part of a passionate and committed team making a big difference to how young people are able to get the most out of both new and favourite activities and to have a great time together.
• If you are 16 or 17 we will ask to make contact with a parent or other appropriate adult to share details of your volunteering role, timings and contact / emergency information. 

About us

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life. 

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world. 

Volunteering with ICYE UK is a transformational experience with real impact. Our ethical programmes promote peace, intercultural awareness and equality of opportunity, encouraging young people from around the world to live, learn and work together.

You can apply now to join us on our 6- or 12-month placements starting in either January/February or August, working with locally run NGOs abroad on impactful projects that matter. Examples include:

- Promoting and creating awareness for human rights and women’s rights

- Supporting those with disabilities or affected by HIV/AIDS

- Environmental and wildlife conservation

- Conducting research for development NGOs

- Outreach support and education for street children

- Community development programmes

- And many more!

This experience will allow you to further your personal and professional development and be part of a valuable exchange of cultures and ideas. In addition, you’ll gain transferable skills and experience to put on your CV. 

As a volunteer, you will live in accommodation within the local community, in most cases with a host family. This provides an immersive experience where you can develop your language skills and engage meaningfully with a new culture. To help you with this, 30 hours of language training are also included as part of the programme.

Not sure where you want to volunteer? We currently have places available in over 20 countries across Europe, Asia, Latin America and Africa, so no matter where you choose to go, you’ll connect with new people, have new experiences, learn, grow, and make an impact.

ICYE UK doesn’t recruit based on specific skills or qualifications. All we look for are passionate volunteers with a desire to gain cultural, language and work experience while helping a local NGO. 

We know that volunteering overseas can seem daunting, but we’re supportive every step of the way. Before your placement, we offer pre-departure training in intercultural awareness. We also provide extensive pre- and post-trip support, including how to fundraise for your experience if you need to. Plus, our partner organisations abroad will provide a number of further trainings and will be on hand for any additional support you may need while in the host country. 

To make the experience more straight forward, the fee you pay to take part will cover your accommodation and three daily meals for the entire duration of your placement, being matched with a project in the host country, language classes, medical insurance, training and evaluation camps, monthly pocket money, administrative costs, help with organising flights and visas, support with fundraising where needed, and general support throughout.

Get in touch to find out more or to start your adventure!

Unleash Your Passion, Volunteer Online with IHF!

Make a difference from anywhere in the world: Join the International Humanity Foundation (IHF) and help us empower marginalized children and communities. We offer flexible online volunteering opportunities in four exciting divisions:

A. Human Resources (HR): Master essential HR skills while supporting our global team. Assist with applications, interviews, calendars, and more.

B. Finance: Gain valuable financial experience while managing funds responsibly. Help us track donations, process grants, and ensure financial stability.

C. Education & Administration: Make a lasting impact on children's lives. Develop curricula, mentor youth, and contribute to various educational projects.

D. Media & PR: Share our stories and amplify our impact. Use your talents in media, graphics, translation, or writing to connect with the world.

Benefits:

• Make a real difference: Contribute to a meaningful cause and change lives.

• Gain valuable skills: Enhance your knowledge and develop new abilities.

• Connect with a global community: Collaborate with passionate volunteers from diverse backgrounds.

• Flexible and rewarding: Volunteer from the comfort of your home on your own schedule.

No matter your experience, you can make a contribution! We welcome individuals with various skills and levels of expertise.

Ready to join us?

Visit our website to learn more and apply

Together, let's create a brighter future for all!

Unleash Your Passion, Volunteer Online with IHF!

Make a difference from anywhere in the world: Join the International Humanity Foundation (IHF) and help us empower marginalized children and communities. We offer flexible online volunteering opportunities in four exciting divisions:

A. Human Resources (HR): Master essential HR skills while supporting our global team. Assist with applications, interviews, calendars, and more.

B. Finance: Gain valuable financial experience while managing funds responsibly. Help us track donations, process grants, and ensure financial stability.

C. Education & Administration: Make a lasting impact on children's lives. Develop curricula, mentor youth, and contribute to various educational projects.

D. Media & PR: Share our stories and amplify our impact. Use your talents in media, graphics, translation, or writing to connect with the world.

Benefits:

• Make a real difference: Contribute to a meaningful cause and change lives.

• Gain valuable skills: Enhance your knowledge and develop new abilities.

• Connect with a global community: Collaborate with passionate volunteers from diverse backgrounds.

• Flexible and rewarding: Volunteer from the comfort of your home on your own schedule.

No matter your experience, you can make a contribution! We welcome individuals with various skills and levels of expertise.

Ready to join us?

Visit our website to learn more
Together, let's create a brighter future for all!

Bristol After Stroke are looking to recruit a new member to the Board of Trustees.

The new Trustee will bring a variety of skills, perspectives, and experiences, to join our Board to help us shape our charity’s future. This is an exciting time to be involved in the charity and we are looking for someone who is engaged with the cause, energetic and passionate. You will be able to think strategically and practically about the challenges and opportunities the organisation may face, whilst also providing leadership, scrutiny and support. 

Global impact volunteers seeks to give volunteers those who are taking a gap year those who want to try something differentto travel to Ghana anyone who wants to have a life changing experience who want to impact other lives the platform to make a difference in the lives of others with their skills and innovative ideas whilst they also learn from other cultures. You will work with children from a wide age range, 

Global impact  volunteer is searching for motivated and driven individuals who are passionate about making a global impact. We welcome all individuals regardless of their race, color, social status, or continent to join us in promoting active community integration through service learning.

By participating in our program, individuals can boost their confidence, self-esteem, and employability, becoming valuable members of their nation and the world. We offer placement opportunities for those who wish to experience life outside of their country and make a positive impact through service learning.

Our program takes care of all necessary arrangements, including safe and secure accommodation, to ensure a memorable experience for our volunteers and their hosts. Join us today to learn and live while making a difference in the world.

Volunteering abroad offers numerous benefits. Firstly, youth who volunteer are more employable due to the strong work ethic, interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills they develop through their voluntary work. Additionally, volunteering can have a positive impact on your mental, social, emotional, and physical well-being by providing life-changing experiences.

Volunteering also promotes independence and helps you make your own decisions, as you may find yourself far from home, friends, and luxuries. It encourages you to be more aware of life’s issues and committed to bringing change to your community and the world. Lastly, volunteering helps you identify yourself, increases your self-esteem and empathy for other humans, especially the vulnerable, and connects you with like-minded youth.

To provide social and practical support to young people in supported housing age 16-24 

Helping towards improving the life chances of people with experience of homelessness. Volunteers empower our customers to identify their existing strengths and skills so they can achieve their goals and aspirations. As a volunteer, you can support customers to achieve their full potential by developing new skills and accessing opportunities.

Activities:

• Building an empathic and person-centred relationship with a young person who may be socially isolated or lack confidence.
• Provide opportunities for young people to become more self-confident, maintain contact with important people in their lives and build-up their social networks.
• This role requires us to carry out an enhanced DBS check

Practical activities could also include:

• Empowering young people to develop independent living skills and to access educational and employment opportunities
• Helping the young people to complete forms and paperwork including developing their CV and job applications
• Helping the young people to build important life skills e.g. cooking, cleaning and budgeting
• Organising activities within the schemes i.e. art/painting, games/quizzes, cooking

Support for Volunteers:

• To attend four half days of training, receive an induction and have access to any other relevant in house and external training
• Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed
• Volunteers will have a check in with the Volunteering Officer every 3 months to ensure they are happy with the role and to resolve any issues

We are looking for fun, reliable, and enthusiastic volunteer Independent Visitors from all different cultures, backgrounds and experiences who have a genuine interest in making a difference to the lives of children and young people.

Our Staffordshire and Stoke Independent Visitor Service is looking for volunteers in or near to Newcastle-Under-Lyme.

• Are you passionate about wanting to help young people?
• Do you have 2 to 4 hours to spare, once a month?
• Are you ready to make a long-term, regular, commitment?

If the answer is yes and you would like to support a child or young person currently in the care of their local authority, then we would love to hear from you.

You will decide with your young person what to do, but activities could include going to the cinema, bowling, playing football, going to a restaurant, riding a bike, or walking in a park.  We will match you with a child you share common interests with.

You do not need experience of working with children and young people, just an interest in their development and welfare. Full training and support are provided.

Here’s a few of the young people we have waiting for a volunteer:

• Amy (12) lives with an older carer, she would like an active Independent Visitor who can do sports with her.
• Brad (13) lives in residential care with other young people, he doesn’t have anyone in his family visit. He would like an Independent Visitor to take him out and have fun, like the other young people.
• Cassie (16) lives with carers in a new town, she doesn’t have any friends in the area yet. She would like an Independent Visitor to help with her confidence and going out in the local area, she loves hot chocolate and cake.
• Danny (11) lives with foster carers and attends a special school. He would like an Independent Visitor to help him be more independent, he likes parks, aeroplanes, and animals.
• Emma (9) lives with her carer in a very busy household, she would like an Independent Visitor to spend some time with her on her own trying different activities together.  

 *names have been changed
 

The Application

• Volunteering mainly happens at weekends and after school hours as the young people are usually in school during the daytime
• The role requires commitment of at least 24 months with one visit per month; this ensures stability for the Child or Young Person
• Complete the Personal Statement section on the application form as fully as possible; tell us all about you; it forms part of the shortlisting process

Our values are to be Compassionate, Open and Bold.  If this sounds like you, please click the apply button.  Alternatively, if you would like to discuss the role in more detail, please call or email and we will be happy to help.​

Could you use your skills and experience to support Signals?

We’re looking for new volunteer Trustees who are interested in helping to develop the organisation.

Signals is a registered charity, established 35 years ago. It specialises in filmmaking and digital arts for social, learning and creative outputs. Signals works across the region but with a focus on Essex.

Signals works with children, young people, artists and community groups supporting creativity and learning at all levels. Signals is committed to increasing equal access to digital and creative experiences.  Signals vision is to positively impact peoples’ lives by encouraging creativity, developing skills and raising aspirations through creative digital production and education.  This work is increasingly relevant in supporting those left behind in a digital age.

Current projects include working with local migrant communities, disability groups and communities in Harwich.

Signals is seeking new volunteer trustees to diversify and bring additional skills to the board.

Signals is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes applications from all members of the community particularly from those currently under-represented on the board including young people, Tendring residents and people from the global majority. We are also looking for those with legal, marketing, community work, funding and building management skills.

The time commitment for trustees is the attendance at quarterly evening meetings (approx. 2 hours per meeting) inclusive of the AGM, occasional attendance of subcommittee and adhoc meetings. Trustees will also be expected to review a range of reports and strategy documents and review and develop policy.


We look forward to hearing from you.

Bright Futures UK works with young people who have been forced to take time out from education due to chronic illness. We provide programmes to help stimulate learning in addition to having a social aspect that offers respite to isolation these young people face due to their unfortunate circumstances.

We are urgently looking for a warm and energetic volunteer Geography tutor with academic qualifications (GCSE and above) to provide educational support and a fun, safe space for these young people. Tutoring experience is not essential as full training is given. Our sessions also are all currently online.

We need someone who is able to engage with young people in a positive and friendly way, helping them overcome their experiences and not feel defined by their illness. You would engage with a young person on a one-to-one basis to help catch up on their studies, increase their confidence in their own skills, and have some fun with them in order to help them progress.

The young people we work with have missed so many experiences in school which we take for granted. The time you can offer to help fill in those missed periods is invaluable to their development. Your sessions will be fully supported by Bright Futures UK staff – from questions or queries, resources or materials or just to bounce an idea off the team, we’re here to help.

Volunteering with Bright Futures UK is something that can easily fit into your working day or a busy schedule with commitment starting from as little as 1 hour per week. We are so grateful for any support you might be able to provide, as are our young people.

We’re looking forward to working with you to help our young people reach their true potential!

Volunteer application form: https://bttr.im/94o0b

Practical Considerations:

We cover all expenses and materials used.

We are asking for one hour online a week.

We are looking for someone who is able to tutor Geography up to GCSE/A Level

DBS will be provided where needed

Safeguarding training provided with certification

About CARAS: 

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a charity that supports refugees and asylum-seekers living in South West London, and helps them to play their full part in the community. Arriving as an asylum seeker in the UK can be a terrifying and disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. We exist to help people seeking asylum overcome those challenges, and to help them rebuild their lives. 

We offer a range of individual and group support to improve the holistic wellbeing of people who have a forced displacement background, providing them the tools they need to build lives filled with value, meaning and purpose in the UK. Our activities for adults include currently include: ESOL classes; sports; women’s creative writing; women’s coffee morning, and casework. 

About the CARAS Adult Team: 

In the post-pandemic environment, CARAS is responding to the role of digital literacies in our programme delivery to learners of asylum-seeking and refugee background. In contrast to the UK essential Digital skills framework, we have built in language inclusion to create a participatory learning course for Essential Digital Literacies for learners who are new to reading and writing in English. The individuals joining CARAS are highly diverse, with different countries of origin, linguistic and educational backgrounds. We have observed over the last year that many CARAS community members have limited digital skills, particularly in regard to using computers. Community members have highlighted that computers are important for many individuals to achieve their educational and employment goals, whilst increasing confidence and independence. We have co-designed a digital skills program in partnership with CARAS community members to improve computer literacy and skills, focusing on basic computer literacy.

About the Role: 

We are seeking two volunteers based in London to teach our lively computer classes in Tooting every Monday 9:00-11:00. Volunteers will lead the sessions with guidance from the CARAS ESOL Teacher and will work closely with our community members to build their skills and confidence using computers. The Digital Literacies course at CARAS is built around Pre-entry to Entry 2 levels in English. Volunteers will be supporting individuals with tasks such as: getting to know how to use a computer, using the internet, setting up an email address, and using Microsoft office. We intend to fold employability sessions, including CV writing and job searching, into these sessions. 

Volunteer Tasks and responsibilities: 

· Lead on the delivery of sessions with support from CARAS’s Essential Digital Skills Teacher. 

· Assist with the logistical set up of the sessions, supporting CARAS staff where needed. 

· Work collaboratively as a team and assisting to shape the project. 

· Create class registers and records as required. 

· To attend and contribute to volunteer pre- and de-briefs at each session. 

· To act as a positive role model and set standards of behaviour when volunteering. 

· Support people to develop their knowledge and skills and encourage and inspire participants to reach their full potential. 

· To assist participants to both, recognise and celebrate their achievements. 

· To challenge negative attitudes and behaviour in an appropriate manor. 

· Advocate for the rights of asylum seekers, refugees and migrants with not for them. 

· Adhering to CARAS Confidentiality policy, Health & Safety policy, Equal Opportunities policy and all other policies as relevant. 

Requirements: 

· To be non-judgemental, and able and willing to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. 

· To be female identifying. 

· Have a good understanding of how to use a computer. 

· To be reliable and punctual. 

· Excellent presentation and communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English. 

· Commitment to support people seeking asylum to take control of their asylum journey. 

· Ability to volunteer every Friday for a minimum of three months. 

· Current resident in the UK. 

· Ability to work in Tooting SW17. 

· To provide five years’ worth of addresses and be willing to undergo a DBS check. 

· To attend CARAS General and Safeguarding Training sessions. 

· To be 18 years or older. 

Through volunteering with us you will: 

· Meet new members of your local community 

· Learn about different cultures 

· Learn about issues relating to refugee and asylum seekers 

· Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team 

· Develop your skills and competencies 

· Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding 

To Apply: 

To apply for this opportunity, download and complete the CARAS volunteer application form from the CARAS website using this volunteer role description to inform your answers.

Successful applicants will have an informal meeting with a member of the CARAS staff team. These meetings will be on a rolling basis so apply ASAP! 

We are looking for individuals with professional or lived experience of working with children. Our volunteer playworkers are passionate about play and providing a welcoming and safe space for all children.

About the Role

As a volunteer play worker, you will work in partnership with the Specialist Family Support Worker in the planning and delivery of play sessions. Most children will be between the ages of 2-5 years.

Play sessions will be child-centered and age-appropriate, and will include arts and crafts, sensory play and free play with toys/resources in the refuge. Working with the Specialist Family Support Worker, you will be able to respond to the individual needs of the children and adapt sessions as needed. You will record your observations on each child at the end of the session and reflect on how the sessions went with Specialist Family Support Worker.

You will be supported by the Specialist Family Support Worker in monthly supervisions. This is a space to discuss your volunteering role, what is going well for you and areas of support you need.

We are looking for volunteers to support one session per week, either:

• Wednesday 10am – 1pm (Islington)
• Friday 12pm – 3pm (Enfield)  

You will be expected to participate in setting up and in the evaluation of the session. You may also be asked your availability to attend additional sessions and trips to be held over school half terms.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking volunteers who have:

• Professional and/or lived experience of working with children
• Understanding of the impact of domestic abuse on children and young people
• A strengths-focused approach to working with challenging behaviour
• Knowledge of Safeguarding Children and Child Protection Procedures, or who are willing to learn
• Commitment to attend Safeguarding, Health and Safety, and Equality and Diversity training with Solace Women’s Aid
• Ability to communicate effectively with children aged 0-5, parents and staff
• Basic knowledge of child development
• Organisation and time management skills

Although not essential, we would welcome applications from volunteers who have a formal qualification in working with children, young people and families, or who have knowledge of trauma-informed approaches to working with children and young people.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

Volunteers will gain:

• Experience of facilitating play sessions for children in recovery from domestic abuse
• An insight into the experiences of children in recovery from domestic abuse.
• Experience in working in partnership with Specialist Family Support Workers in the planning, delivery and evaluation of play sessions in a refuge/community setting.
• Opportunity to attend training and social events with other Solace Women’s Aid volunteers.
• Trauma-Informed Practice training from the Specialist Family Support Worker team.
• Being part of a supportive team who aim to build on the strengths and skills of all our members.

We offer great volunteer induction training, where you will be fully supported to understand, and carry put every aspect of the role. Training includes CPD accredited courses, and the opportunity to apply to complete the level 3 Understanding Domestic Abuse Award (DAPA), which is recognized by the Home Office.

Amazing, giving, inspiring and awesome are just a few of the words we would use to describe our volunteers.

Our volunteers play an integral part in the services we provide and the people we support. If you are looking for a rewarding role where you will really make a difference whilst gaining experience along the way, then join us here at Rethink Mental Illness.

About the role

We are looking for Volunteer Café Assistants to support our John Hall Wellness Gardens in Leek. You will be based at our new Cafe operation and, ideally, you will be able to commit 4 hours per week to volunteering.

You will receive training and regular supervision to ensure you feel confident in your role. 

About the service

John Hall Gardens is a Community Education Garden & Café green space for the community of Leek, local schools, colleges, and social enterprises. With the aim of enabling the local community to work/learn and socialise with people with mental and physical health support needs. This includes adults of all ages and children and young people.

Assisting the Café Supervisor and your fellow volunteers, you will play an integral part of John Hall Wellness Garden’s future, by helping to deliver a café experience for the general public, Friends of the Garden, and guests.  If you think you can make a difference and commit some time on a regular on-going basis, we would love to hear from you!   This is a real opportunity to develop your current existing skills, learn new skills and network with other volunteers. We welcome anyone wishing to gain experience or have an interest in going into the hospitality sector.

What you will be doing as a Volunteer Café​ Assistant

You will have the opportunity to assist with food preparation, presentation, cleaning and serving/selling high quality food and beverages.

Under the guidance of the Café Supervisor, you, together with other volunteers will ensure that the Café is compliant with all relevant health and safety legislation and pursuing an outstanding performance and food hygiene rating.

In addition, there will be further opportunities to support activity groups in the café, special events and input into event and menu planning.

The main tasks volunteer café assistants will support with are:

• Support Café staff, other volunteers and trainees in the smooth day to day running of the Café.
• Carry out basic catering tasks including food preparation, cleaning and serving food to customers.
• Operate the coffee machine (full training will be provided).
• Handle cash or card transactions and operate the till.
• Work with the Café Supervisor to ensure relevant paperwork is completed and checks are carried out ensuring compliance against relevant food safety and health and safety policies and procedures.
• Ensure kitchen area and Café are clean and tidy (including equipment, walls, floors, tables, work surfaces), and waste is discarded safely.
• Provide good customer service, dealing with visitors and customers in a friendly and polite manner.

What will make you a great fit for this role?

• Eagerness to learn and train in all aspects of the café catering operation
• Cheerful nature, good interpersonal skills, can communicate confidently with a range of people of all ages
• Good customer care service skills

Although this is not essential - you may also have:

• Basic food safety knowledge or HACCP. Further training, will be provided including allergens
• Experience in food handling and basic preparation of foods

Who are we?

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”