If you would like to register your interest in volunteering, please do so here - https://forms.gle/9xd28hHWi8BaTNX46

Volunteering Opportunities

All services and projects are run by volunteers, the project groups are then supported by paid workers. Volunteers are therefore crucial to the running of the Centre. We welcome people from all backgrounds and abilities to get involved and volunteer with us. Regular Volunteers get free refreshments and lunch, use of the playroom and travel expenses. Volunteering is a great way to get involved, meet new people, learn new skills to gain experience and confidence or simply to help others. We usually have around 50 to 70 volunteers at a time and need new volunteers continuously.

WE URGENTLY NEED FRONT OFFICE/RECEPTION VOLUNTEERS. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED FIND MORE INFORMATION BELOW.

Here’s an introduction to the different work areas where you can volunteer at BUCFP as well as availability of places.

IF PLACES ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE ROLE(S) YOU ARE INTERESTED IN, YOU CAN STILL REGISTER YOUR INTEREST BY filling the form on the link above and you will be put on a waiting list.

FRONT Office/RECEPTION

(Volunteers needed)

Our busy reception is the first place people come to in the Centre. It is a friendly and welcoming place dealing with enquiries, petty cash, bookings and admin.

As a volunteer you will need:

» Good communication and organisation skills

» Good numeracy and literacy

» To be able to work under stress in a small busy office environment

The Kitchen

(Volunteers needed)

The kitchen volunteers cook a vegan meal to be ready for 1:00pm on Tuesday to Friday.

As a volunteer you will need:

» To be aware of food hygiene practices

» To enjoy cooking

WELFARE RIGHTS

(Contact us if you are interested before applying)

Welfare rights volunteers will be providing our centre users with advice and support about their benefits’ claims.

As a volunteer you will need:

» Experience of giving advice within a welfare rights setting, ideally in face-to-face sessions as well as by phone

» Knowledge of the benefits system, including out of work benefits (JSA / ESA / Universal Credit), disability benefits (ESA / PIP / Universal Credit), Tax Credits, Housing and Council Tax

» Awareness of the needs of vulnerable claimants & the issues they face accessing the benefits system

If you are interested in this position please call the office for more information before applying.

Tea Bar

(Volunteers needed)

Serving low cost drinks and run by our team of tea bar volunteers (although sometimes it is self service). It is open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday morning 10:00am - 1:00pm and Friday afternoon 1:30pm to 3:30pm. Volunteers on the tear bar need to be available for one session a week, morning or afternoon.

As a volunteer you will need:

» To be aware of good hygiene practices

» Good numeracy skills

» Be welcoming

Allotment

(Volunteers needed)

This is a beautiful outdoor space where you can learn to grow food. This is a flexible position and is only open on Mondays.

As a volunteer you will need:

» To be a good team worker

» To be physically fit (ish!)

» Able to work outside

Computer Support

(Volunteers needed)

Volunteers support users in the computer room and in the main area, giving one-to one support with internet use, email, job search, form filling, CV writing and scanning etc.

As a volunteer you will need:

» Good computer skills

» To be a good listener

» To be patient with people

Participation

(Volunteers needed)

Participation volunteers support other centre users in becoming involved in the Centre. This could be through the Arts and Crafts projects, Creative Writing or through helping to organise an event.

As a volunteer you will need:

» Good communication skills and able to get others involved

» Commitment to one session per week

» Creative skills and passion

Education

(Volunteers needed)

We currently have a small team of language teachers who teach ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) at beginners and intermediate level. However, we are always interested to hear from anyone wanting to provide a new class or activity at the centre.

As a volunteer you will need:

» Good communication skills

» Commitment to one session per week

» Skills and experience in teaching

» Able to organise and plan a class or course in your area of expertise

» To be patient with people

Playroom

(Volunteers needed)

The Playroom can take 12 children in each session. It is open Tues - Friday mornings between 10am and 1pm. Volunteers in the playroom have one or two regular slots, they work as part of a team with the co-ordinator and other volunteers. Volunteers arrive between 9:30 - 9:45am to discuss and prepare for the session; and stay for a short while after the children have gone, to help clear up and take part in a feedback session.

As a volunteer you will need:

» To commit to a regular session each week

» To agree to a health and DBS check

» Be willing to work as part of a team

» Be willing to take relevant training

» To have the ability to communicate effectively in English and to engage with children

» Attend Playroom meetings

Donations/ Centre Helpers

(Volunteers needed)

Our Centre Helpers are volunteers that generally make themselves useful! They welcome new people to the centre and give them general advice and support. They also assist with keeping the main area tidy, helping with deliveries or sorting donated items, keep the free clothes rail tidy and assist with morning set up, lunch time clear up and end of the day clear up.

As a volunteer you will need:

» To be a good organiser

» To be happy to support in all capacities

» To be a good listener and problem solver

» To be prepared to get stuck in with a variety of tasks involved in running the centre

VOLUNTEERING FOR GROUPS

If you are a group of volunteers who want to give a one off contribution to the BUCFP, please contact the volunteer coordinator on 01273 601211 or email volunteers@bucfp.org for more information and opportunities available.

VOLUNTEER TESTIMONIALS

“My time volunteering at BUCFP was a really rewarding experience. BUCFP was the most welcoming and friendly environment I have ever worked in and right from the beginning I was made to feel like a valued member of the team. I loved talking to people from all different walks of life and the best part was getting to know the regulars and having a sense of feeling that what I was doing was helping them to have a more positive day. I benefitted greatly from the experience, and I flourished in my confidence. When my period of volunteering came to an end I was extremely sad to leave.” (Leona, Office Volunteer)

“Volunteering at the playroom was a wholesome experience, they welcome you with open arms and educate you as you work along with the children. Through working there, it showed me the importance of every achievement a child makes, from turning up to the session until way past they leave. Although working with vulnerable children may seem challenging in more ways than one, it has been one of the most rewarding work I’ve experienced so far.”
(Rachel, Playroom Volunteer)

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience volunteering for BUCFP, everyone has been so helpful and welcoming. I volunteered as an IT support; I found this role very interesting as every shift was different. One week I could be helping someone write a letter to a family member, and the next week, helping start a benefit claim. My favourite part of this role was connecting to people and being able to skill share or collectively problem solve together. My time here has been deeply rewarding, I have learnt so much and met incredible people. I’m very thankful for this experience as I have developed the skillset that has got me back into work and most importantly, I feel more connected to my local community.” (Cam, IT/Digital Inclusion Volunteer)

"Thanks BUCFP for being supportive and believing in equal opportunities for all. Providing such a worthwhile opportunity to teach a yoga class at the Centre meant a lot. It's been a very rewarding experience helping my personal development as a yoga teacher. All the students have been great and each one has brought something special to the class." (Ron, Participation Volunteer/Yoga Teacher)