Volunteer Kitchen Helper - Fridays

Would you like to support older people in your local community? 

Are you available on Fridays between 9.30am and 2.30pm?

MHA Communities - Hampshire Central is a charity offering volunteer based support and friendship to older people living in their own homes; helping to maintain independent living, improve well-being and reduce isolation and loneliness. We aim to help older people maintain their independence by offering opportunities for companionship, support and advice.

MHA Communities - Hampshire Central is supported by volunteers who assist in variety of different ways.

What would I be doing as an Volunteer Kitchen Helper

We require volunteers to help out at Friday Fortnightly Lunch Club where we provide a hot two course meal for around 40 older people. Volunteers are required to assist with menu preparation, helping in the kitchen, preparing vegetables, serving meals, clearing away, operating dishwasher etc.  Once you are established as a Volunteer Kitchen Helper there may be the opportunity to progress to a Volunteer Cook to take a lead role with the cooking if you wish.  We also require volunteer Kitchen Helpers at our Friday Activity Day which takes place on the alternate Fridays - you will be involved in preparing a light sandwich lunch for 20 members, serving sandwiches, clearing away, operating dishwasher etc.

With both roles, you must also be available to help with the clearing away and dishwashing/clearing up the room after the lunch/activity.

You will be required from around 9.30am until 2.30pm every Friday (or every other Friday).

Skills

Skills and qualities needed for the role are:

• Patience, empathy and understanding of the needs of older people
• The ability to engage yourself and others in a wide range of activities
• You will be reliable and punctual
• Flexibility
• You will have a clear sense of personal boundaries
• Having the ability to provide a supportive and non-judgmental service
• You’ll be willing to join in with training and development
• You’ll be able to maintain confidentiality
• Kitchen experience essential although training will be provided

What impact would I have?

Volunteers are at the heart of our clubs and are essential for us to be able to run our varied weekly schedule of activities. We encourage volunteers to share their skills and interests with our members and help support the smooth running of the groups.

Our members benefit enormously by attending our weekly activities. Our groups, clubs and activities support members by reducing isolation and loneliness as well as supporting the development of new friendships.

Why volunteer for MHA?

If you are passionate about caring for older people, MHA is the place for you. We are a national charity inspiring the best care at every stage of later life. It is our mission to enable people to live later life well and you could help us achieve this. We will provide you with ongoing training, support and advice throughout your volunteering experience.

How to get involved?

Initially we will contact you by phone or email to have an informal discussion regarding our current volunteering opportunities, discuss your suitability to the role and your availability.  

Our Central Volunteering Team will carry out the onboarding and induction process with you remotely.

You will need to:-

• provide details of two character references who you have known for at least 2 years
• attend an online induction
• complete a Volunteer Agreement
• complete various online training courses depending on the volunteer role. Courses may include for example, Safeguarding, Dementia Friends and First Aid.  Food Safety & Hygiene Level 2 training will also be required for this role.

Volunteers benefit from local support during your volunteering role, annual reviews, ongoing training and out of pocket expenses.