Catering Assistant

As part of our service we have various kitchen areas available to serve and host activities with service users and residents. Our Oasis Café is open to service users, residents and the public Monday-Friday 10.30am-1.30pm. In the day shelter we serve a free breakfast to service users each morning. And also in the day shelter we have a training room with cooking facilities where we can host cooking-related activities.

We are offering a volunteer opportunity to be creative and practical both in supporting the existing services through food preparation and serving, and also in the development of exciting new activities to support service users in building sustainable life skills. Our wish is to introduce a ‘cook and eat’ style programme that will educate and skill service users in the preparation of healthy, value for money simple meals, learn about the benefits and constituents of a healthy diet, and develop basic budgeting skills.

You will be working alongside service users and staff to deliver these nourishing activities and aspects of our service. This would be a great role for anyone interested in developing and delivering practical sessions based around food. As we are also dedicated to the wellbeing of service users there is an expectation to support and encourage them with empathy and interest in their situation during interactions.

We welcome suggestions on what we do so you are encouraged to provide feedback during your time with us.

Prior Experience: A basic knowledge of cooking will be necessary but the key is to bring the right attitude and be willing to support and encourage the service users and staff. A current food hygiene certificate would also be of benefit but we can assist with obtaining this. Some experience of project management, creative problem solving, and leading training would definitely be a bonus in contributing to development of new activities. If you have an interest in the areas of: homelessness, housing, substance misuse, personal independence/life skills, budgeting, employment etc. then this opportunity is likely to be of extra value to you. Please note that due to the nature of what we offer, our service users often have challenging complex needs so empathy and resilience are definitely required and can be further enhanced through the volunteering.

For those who are able to demonstrate a sustained commitment over at least 3 months we are happy to provide a reference acknowledging your work.

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Skills

Mandatory: Communication, interpersonal, non-discriminatory, non-judgmental.

Desirable: Confidence, creative and design, listening, planning and organising, positive attitude, practical, problem solving, project management, teaching and training, teamwork, self management.