Volunteer catering assistant volunteer roles
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!
Inspiring, supportive, and committed - just a few of the words we’d use to describe our volunteers.
At Rethink Mental Illness, volunteers are at the heart of what we do. They play a vital role in supporting our services and making a real difference in people’s lives. If you’re looking for a rewarding role where you can have a positive impact while developing your own skills and experience, we’d love you to join us.
About the role
Do you enjoy meeting people, working as part of a team, and creating a friendly, welcoming atmosphere? We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to give at least 4 hours a week to help us run our community café in Leek.
As a Volunteer Café Assistant, you’ll:
- Support café staff, volunteers, and trainees in the smooth day-to-day running of the café
- Prepare, present, and serve food and drinks to a high standard
- Operate the coffee machine (full training provided)
- Handle cash and card transactions using the till
- Maintain excellent hygiene and health & safety standards
- Provide friendly customer service to visitors and guests
- Help out at special events and activities held in the café
Full training and regular supervision will be provided, so you’ll feel confident and supported in your role.
About the service
John Hall Wellness Garden is a community education garden and café in Leek. It’s a safe and inclusive green space where local people, schools, colleges, and social enterprises can come together to learn, work, and socialise. We especially welcome and support people with mental or physical health needs, children, young people, and adults of all ages.
What will make you a great fit for this role?
- A cheerful, positive attitude
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- A willingness to learn new skills
- An interest in providing excellent customer service
It’s not essential, but you may also bring:
- Experience in food handling or preparation
- Basic food safety knowledge or HACCP (training will be provided)
- Previous experience in catering, hospitality, or customer service
How to apply
To apply, simply click the “apply now” button on the advert on our website and complete a short interest form.
If you have any questions about this role, please get in touch
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.”
It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer. We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.
Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation
We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.
We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex and (asexual) (LGBTQIA+), people with a disability, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.
Registered Charity
501 - 1000
We’re Rethink Mental Illness and no matter how bad things are, we can help people severely affected by mental illness to improve their lives.
Thank you!
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!
Do you love planning and cooking delicious meals? If so, we warmly invite you to join us as a Volunteer Cook at Skanda Vale Hospice where your focus will be to create fresh, wholesome and tasty meals to support the well-being of our patients, their families and our dedicated team.
You’ll have a team of kitchen helpers and together your contribution will not only nourish the body but support the overall warmth and comforting experience that uplifts and benefits everyone at the hospice.
Please note: unfortunately, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for overseas volunteers.
About Skanda Vale Hospice
Skanda Vale Hospice offers unhurried, highly individualised care and respite to families affected by life-limiting illnesses, completely free of charge. A beautiful and happy place, filled with laughter and vibrant colour, our hospice is nurse led and primarily run by volunteers. Volunteering with us means being a valued part of a dedicated team who give of themselves wholeheartedly. Compassion is at the heart of what we do, expressed by human kindness, generosity and a deep commitment to the well-being of everyone we care for and work alongside.
What will I be doing?
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Planning and preparing nutritious and appetising meals, tailored to different dietary requirements.
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Catering (with support from your team) for 30-50 people at lunchtime.
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Alternatively, providing additional smaller meals for patients during respite stays: cooked breakfast, dinner and snacks.
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Keeping a clean and organised kitchen, overseeing dishwashing plus sanitising of surfaces and equipment.
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Keeping temperature logs, and accurate records of expiry dates and stock levels.
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Along with catering colleagues, supporting a great team spirit and a happy environment.
How much time should I give?
Flexible, based on volunteer availability and hospice needs, but on average at least one day a month. Some volunteers choose to commit to frequent regular shifts while others offer their availability monthly or by arrangement to support day hospice, respite services or hospice events.
What are the benefits of being a Volunteer Cook?
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Sense of purpose, knowing you are making a positive difference to people in need.
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Seeing the pleasure your creativity and culinary skill bring to others.
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Being valued and appreciated as a key part of a friendly team.
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Training and development opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge.
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Working in a welcoming place with warmhearted people.
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Earn Tempo Time Credits to spend on activities both locally and across the UK.
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Travel expenses reimbursed.
What do I need to have?
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An ability to work well and communicate sensitively within a team, providing instruction and guidance to Catering Assistants.
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Be a confident home cook or have experience in professional catering.
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Physical stamina as our cooks are on their feet for some time.
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Reliability and punctuality since we need to serve meals on time.
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An ability to remain calm and adapt to unexpected changes.
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A permanent UK address or a visa that allows you to stay and volunteer in the UK (unfortunately we cannot sponsor visa applications).
What training and support will I be given?
Our Cooks are supported by the Catering Lead and receive induction, training (such as Level 2 Food Hygiene) and ongoing support to ensure they feel confident and capable in their role.
How do I find out more?
Contact us or drop in at one of our Coffee Mornings. These are held between 10.30 am and 12.30 pm on the last Thursday of each month and offer the chance for an informal chat and a look around - while enjoying fresh coffee and homemade cake, free of charge. Come along, we’d love to meet you!
Registered Charity
51 - 100
Our mission is to provide the very best care that we can to support people facing life-limiting illnesses.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
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!
As a Gardening & Grounds volunteer you will be helping to maintain the flower beds and grounds around the Visitor Centre and our two AirBnB properties on site to a high standard, ensuring that we maintain a diverse habitat for nature and that our visitors and guests enjoy their visits.
This role involves:
- Assisting with the maintenance and development of the gardens and grounds around the visitor centre and car park;
- Seasonal planting, pruning and harvesting of flower beds;
- Weeding areas, where necessary;
- Mowing set areas when required;
- Welcoming and engaging visitors;
- Keeping up to date with the work of WWT and Welney and sharing that with visitors
Looking for valuable work experience to gain relevant skills or want to spend more time outdoors? Or both? Look no further - a volunteering position with us plays a crucial role in saving wetlands for wildlife and people as well as:
- Being part of a volunteering experience in an inspiring environment and getting closer to nature
- Making a real contribution to the conservation work of WWT
- Learning new, transferable skills and being part of an inclusive volunteering experience
- Becoming part of a friendly and dedicated team
- Gaining free entry to all WWT wetland centres throughout the UK on presentation of your WWT name badge, and enjoying a great discount in WWT shops and cafes
- You will be provided with a WWT uniform and receive full induction and training for your role
Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team. You'll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need.
If you are interested in volunteering for WWT but don't wish to apply online, please email us or give us a call and leave a message with your name and number.
About You
This role will suit you if:
You have a can-do attitude, are happy to help us in all weathers, and are both a practical person and physically fit. Having enthusiasm and experience in gardening would be helpful, but a willingness to use and develop skills in the hand tools and equipment we provide is more important. You’ll receive clear direction, however, the ability to work under your own initiative and being self-motivated is also needed. Having, or being happy to develop, the confidence to engage our visitors with the work of WWT is also a key part of this role.
Please note, you must be 18 or over to apply for this role.
About Us
We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.
Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.
Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?
Why you'll love volunteering at WWT
- Feel good knowing you are helping to restore wetlands, and our world
- Be surrounded and inspired by like-minded wetland lovers
- Hear from the people who inject their energy, passion and expertise into wetlands and wildlife - talks, walks, webinars, tea and cake...
- Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
- Volunteer discount on shopping and memberships
- Access to webinars and practical information to help you manage daily life
We look forward to hearing from you!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
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!
Volunteer with Us at the Big Sleep Out 2025
On Friday, 14th November, Off The Fence will host its Big Sleep Out at St Peter’s Church, Brighton – our largest fundraising event of the year to support those experiencing homelessness in our city through our Antifreeze programme.
We’re looking for a team of volunteers to help with hospitality at the event and event delivery to ensure it runs smoothly and we create a welcoming, supportive experience for all participants. Volunteers will play an important role in greeting, serving, supporting, and encouraging participants throughout the evening and overnight.
You’ll be part of a fun, committed team helping make this event possible – ensuring participants are cared for and that every detail runs smoothly.
Once you’ve completed the volunteer application and have let us know which role you’re interested in, we’ll get back to successful applicants about an interview and provide a full role description.
This is a brilliant opportunity to take action, grow in awareness, and work alongside Off The Fence, an established local charity equipped to support those most at risk of experiencing homelessness or trapped in the cycle of poverty here in Brighton & Hove. By volunteering, you’ll play a part in creating real change in our city.
Hospitality Roles include:
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Greeters – welcoming and checking in participants as they arrive.
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Servers – helping with dinner (Friday evening) or breakfast (Saturday morning).
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Overnight Support – topping up drinks and snacks, signposting toilets, and providing a friendly presence alongside our security team.
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Essentials Kit Packing – guiding participants in packing practical kits and writing encouragement cards for our clients.
Event Delivery Roles Include:
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Set-Up Team - Help unload, set up barriers, tables, signage, and prepare spaces for participants.
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Take-Down Team - Assist with packing away equipment, signage, and tables, leaving the site clear and tidy.
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Promotion Team - Share leaflets and digital materials with your networks to create buzz, encourage participation, and promote sponsorship opportunities.
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Media Team - Capture photos, videos, and participant stories (with consent) to thank supporters and promote future Big Sleep Outs.
On your CV please provide 2 referees. With your permission, we will contact the referees you provided, following a successful interview.
Registered Charity
21 - 50
Tackling social and spiritual poverty across Brighton and Hove
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.