Becoming a Volunteer

Volunteering with us is easy to do and there are a variety of roles to choose from. Posititons are available to help at our two day event, working on the hamper project or providing support throughout the year.

We don’t require any qualifications however the hamper delivery teams will require a DBS check and anyone involved in food preparation will require and up to date food hygiene certificate. Drivers will also need a current driving licence endorsed to allow you to drive a transit van

Hygeine certificates are obtainable online for free and we can help you apply for a DBS certificate but please indicate whether you have these already when applying for those roles.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL VOLUNTEERS MUST BE OVER THE AGE OF 18.

Finding a Volunteer Role

The hamper delivery roles also require a degree of physical fitness as you will be lifting and carrying boxes to their destinations which in some cases can include several flights of steps.

Space and timescales for some roles can be limited therefore we may allocate you to areas you haven’t requested to work in as suits the project. If you have a concern with this or are unable to work in a specific role please let us know. We want your time with us to be fun.

Food and refreshments are available for volunteers throughout.

Role Information Pack

Volunteering Roles

Befriending – this is probably one of our most important jobs and takes place on our two day event over Christmas Day and Boxing day. Taking time to simply sit quietly with our guests. Talking to them and taking time to listen to what they have to say.

Hosting – engaging with our guests throughout the 2 day event and answering their queries and directing them to the appropriate areas within the venue.

Clothing store – sorting and assisting with restocking of the clothing as well as distributing it to our guests at the two day open event.

Hamper packing – packing over 600 hampers with tins and packets of food which will be delivered to recipients in Hastings, Bexhill and surrounding areas.

Hamper Delivery – drivers and delivery teams are needed to deliver the packed hampers to the recipients.

Tea Bar – Our tea bars is often the first port of call for our guests when they arrive and help is required with serving hot and cold drinks as well as snacks to our guests. The tea bar also runs during hamper week when you will be responsible for providing refreshments to the other volunteers.

Catering – Hot and cold food preparation is needed for the two day event. Volunteers for this section will need catering experience, and be able to demonstrate that they have a current food hygiene certificate.

Serving/Clearing up – Our guests sit down at midday to enjoy a hot meal, we need people who can help serve food to our guests and clear/wash up the dishes over the two day event.

Entertainment – we aim to provide entertainment throughout the 2 day event and it is always popular. Any volunteers with any specific talents are more than welcome to take part.

Fundraising – getting sponsored to complete a challenge or holding a bake sale is a fun way of helping us to raise money and raising awareness of what we do.

Collecting money at events – As a local charity it is important to us that we take part in events that take place within the community and having people there to collect donations for us is really helpful.

Being an ambassador – Are you good at speaking to people? We welcome those who go out into the community and talk to people about our work.

Food collections – In the run up to Christmas we provide a visible presence at local supermarkets letting people know what food items are needed for our hampers and asking them to consider donating to us.

Our volunteers are extremely important to us but we understand that sometimes other commitments crop up. If you have offered to volunteer and are no longer able to commit we ask that you advise us in good time.