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Volunteering

We believe that volunteering helps to build stronger, more active communities. People choose to volunteer for many different reasons – whether it’s to have fun, meet new people, learn new skills or share their knowledge and experience.

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

Current roles are available for Good Neighbours Newcastle, the project supports adults who need a little extra help to remain connected and independent at home, while giving volunteers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in their local community.

"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."

📧 yvonne@stmartinscentre.org.uk
📞 0191 276 4002

Coffee Shop Volunteer (Thursdays)

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, 8:45am – 3:00pm.

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.

Yvonne, 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 supports people to live independently by helping them stay connected to their local community and access other support services.

The service is designed for people who are socially isolated, are unable to leave their home regularly, or have physical or mental health conditions or disabilities that make independent living more difficult.

To find out more: https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk/project/good-neighbours-newcastle/

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