Our food hubs support children, young people and families to access essential food during challenging times. Food hubs are held in different community venues and used by a range of individuals and families. Any children visiting the service are accompanied by their parent/carer at all times. There are a range of tasks you could get involved with, from meeting and greeting customers, helping them find what they need, and managing their payments, and much more. We're looking for volunteers who can create a welcoming and non-judgemental environment for customers using our food hubs. We’re looking for a reliable and friendly **volunteer driver** to support our **Community Fridge project** on Tuesdays. You’ll help collect surplus food from local supermarkets and deliver it to our community fridge, ensuring good-quality food doesn’t go to waste and is available for young people to access for free. This role is vital in helping us tackle food waste while supporting young people and families in the Ely and Caerau area. If you have access to a vehicle, a full driving licence, and a couple of hours to spare each week, we’d love to hear from you. Your time can make a real difference in turning surplus food into meaningful support for our community. We value your time and commitment – mileage costs can be claimed, so volunteering won’t cost you a thing. Volunteers who drive will need insurance that covers them for volunteering and will need to provide written evidence of this. **Rise Up** is an exciting service for young people age 10-25 that has been designed by local young people for local young people, and is part of Barnardo’s partnership with the Co-op. The partnership has three key aims: - Improve young people’s mental wellbeing - Improve access to basic needs (food) - Improve access to opportunities. **What we do:** - Community Fridge: A weekly space where young people can access free food and learn about nutrition and healthy eating. - Wellbeing Workshops: Facilitated in local shops for young people to explore topics important to them, and chosen by them. - Community Engagement: Opportunities for young people to take care of their local area. - Skill Development: Build confidence and learn valuable life skills.
Food banks and community food hubs have become commonplace across the country. Could you help support a food hub, meeting customers and helping them find what they need?

Tasks: Meeting and greeting customers, checking payments and assisting them with their shopping.

Keeping shelves well stocked and well presented.

Collecting stock from suppliers and/or assisting with receiving deliveries and stock, and assisting with correctly and safely storing goods

Contributing to food safety, procedural paperwork and helping to ensure goods are in date and in good condition.

Assisting with basic cleaning tasks, helping to keep the facility and equipment clean and tidy.

Helping to promote the food hub in the community.

Where customers share details about their circumstances which they need additional support with, signpost them onto other specialist services where their needs can be best met.

Adhering to Barnardo's policies and procedures at all times, including Barnardo's: Safeguarding; Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; Health & Safety; Data Protection; Confidentiality; Recording policies and procedures.

Participating fully in training and supervision.

Volunteering within Barnardo's Values and Behaviours

Skills: Friendly and helpful

Great communication skills

Good customer service skills

Non-judgemental and welcoming to all sectors of the community.

Previous retail or stockroom experience would be desirable, although not essential.

A full driving licence with appropriate insurance (if you wish to drive as part of this role).

Benefits: Full induction and training.

Other training opportunities relevant to the volunteer role.

Regular supervision and support.

Out of pocket expenses agreed in advance.

Access to the Barnardo’s internal vacancy listing.

Our volunteers tell us about lots of other benefits of volunteering including; experience of working with children, young people and families; experience for your CV; supporting your local community; meeting new people; increasing self-confidence; feeling like you are making a difference; improving your health and wellbeing; and a chance to contribute to a worthwhile children’s charity.

Disclaimer: We look to recruit a diverse range of volunteers. If your skills don't fit the above, please do not let this put you off as we are able to be flexible with most of our roles. If you are unable to apply online through the link on this page, please contact the Barnardo's Volunteering Team on volunteering@barnardos.org.uk or call us on 0208 498 7320

Barnardo's jobs

Food Hub Helper (Driver for the Community Fridge in Ely)