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Volunteering

We believe that volunteering helps to build stronger, more active communities. We recognise that there are many different reasons for becoming a volunteer and for some it is a good opportunity to have fun, meet new people, learn new skills and share their knowledge!

St Martin’s Centre can be a lifeline for local people and we couldn’t deliver our busy timetable without the support of volunteers.

We offer a range of different roles to help to support our work in the centre, nursery and coffee shop.

Current roles available are for Stay & Play volunteers, The Coffee Shop role is on hold until April.  Get in touch to find out more about the current roles on offer. Good Neighbours Newcastle is a volunteer-delivered service that can help you live independently whilst increasing your connections with your local community and other support services available to you.

 

"I really appreciate the way you look after us volunteers. I often feel I get more from working in the cafe than St Martin’s get."

"Helping in the busy coffee shop one day a week really helps with my mental health, I feel useful and appreciated – and everyone is really friendly. Why not come and join the team, I’m sure you will benefit from volunteering too."

"Volunteering at St Martin’s helped save my life. After I lost my mam, I felt that I no longer had a purpose, but since I started volunteering, I feel useful again and I have made some new friends."

Get in touch with our dedicated coordinator to find out more!
Contact yvonne@stmartinscentre.org.uk or 0191 276 4002

Coffee Shop Volunteer

Responsible to: Coffee Shop Manager

Purpose of the role:

The Avenue Coffee Shop is an integral part of the centre and is a welcoming safe space for everyone to come and have refreshments, meet people and find out what is going on in the local community.

Volunteers will assist the Coffee shop Manager in the preparation and delivery of various hot and cold food and drinks and assisting with the day to day running of the coffee shop.

Tasks may include:

  • Provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere for our customers and deal with them in a friendly and polite manner.
  • Preparing and serving drinks and food as required.
  • Handling cash and operation of the till (training will be provided).
  • Ensuring tables and surrounding area are clean and tidy.
  • Any other tasks as requested or appropriate with nature of the role.

Skills and/or Qualities required:

  • Experience in a similar environment would be helpful but not essential – an interest and a commitment to good customer service is more important.
  • Able to follow the appropriate food health and safety laws.
  • Have a friendly and approachable manner and good communication skills.
  • Able to work as part of a team.
  • Willingness to be flexible and to follow the guidance of the Coffee Shop Manager.

Time Commitment: The Avenue is open Monday-Fridays, 8.45-3.00pm, with shifts available within these times.

Training, Support & Supervision:

  • Full training specific to your role will be provided.
  • Uniform will be provided.
  • A free DBS check will be required prior to your start date.
  • Any agreed out-of-pocket expenses associated with your volunteering role will be reimbursed.

Our Befriending and Wellbeing Manager will check in with you regularly to offer support.

Stay & Play Group Volunteer

Responsible to: Befriending & Wellbeing Manager

Purpose of the role:

A fun and active play session for under 5s and their parents/carers with a dedicated baby area. Tasks to include:

  • Assist with room set up.
  • Interact with children and parents.
  • Assist group leader as and when necessary.
  • Serve snacks.
  • Report back to group leader at the end of the sessions.
  • Assist with clearing the room at end of sessions.

General responsibilities and expectations are set out in the Volunteer Agreement, which you need to read and sign before starting your volunteering at St Martin’s Centre.

Skills/Qualities Required:

  • Experience of working with under 5s (helpful but not essential).
  • Being able to work as part of a team.
  • Friendly, able to chat and make people feel at ease.

Time Commitment: Tuesdays 9.30am-12.00pm (Term Time only)

Training, Support & Supervision:

  • Full training will be provided including induction to the centre. As this role involves serving food, volunteers will need to complete our in-house food safety and safeguarding training.
  • Uniform will be provided.
  • A free DBS check will be required prior to your start date.
  • Any agreed out-of-pocket expenses associated with your volunteering role will be reimbursed.

Our Befriending and Wellbeing Manager will check in with you regularly to offer support.

Good Neighbours Newcastle

Good Neighbours Newcastle is a volunteer-delivered service that can help you live independently whilst increasing your connections with your local community and other support services available to you.

The service is designed to support people who do not, or are unable to, leave their house regularly, those who are socially isolated, as well as those with physical or mental health conditions or disabilities that make it difficult to live independently.

To find out more:

https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk/project/good-neighbours-newcastle/

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