Eating Together Host
The Food Chain
Eating Together is a communal lunch held every Wednesday and Saturday at Positive East in Stepney Green. The service aims to combat isolation amongst people living with HIV in London by bringing groups together for a hot meal and good conversation. Hosts ensure that sessions run smoothly and that Service Users have the best possible experience. We hope for one shift per month Weds or Sat, 10am - 3pm.
The Food Chain provides nutrition services including essential groceries, communal eating sessions, cookery classes and nutrition advice to people living with HIV. We aim to ensure that no one living with the virus has their ability to get well and stay well adversely affected by lack of access to appropriate food. All our services are provided with the help and support of around 150 volunteers. Eating Together is a communal lunch held every Wednesday and Saturday at Positive East in Stepney Green. The service aims to combat isolation amongst people living with HIV in London by bringing groups together for a hot, nutritionally-tailored meal and some good conversation. It is also designed to improve participants’ mental wellbeing, energy levels, confidence and independence by offering the opportunity to meet new people, share experiences and learn more about healthy eating and other relevant topics. What does the role involve? Eating Together Hosts ensure that sessions run smoothly and that Service Users have the best possible experience. There are two volunteer Hosts at every session. Tasks include laying tables, welcoming Service Users, preparing any hot drinks required and ensuring that Service Users, particularly any first timers, are integrated and are involved in the group responding to any issues as they arise. You will also need to reinforce The Food Chains' messages of the importance of maintaining health and wellbeing and provide emotional support to Service Users. Many attendees at Eating Together may also be managing a mental health issue, commonly anxiety and/or depression and you will be trained in how to provide support to anyone should you need to. You get to eat lunch too! After the meal you’ll join the kitchen volunteers clearing plates, washing up, and making sure the kitchen is clean. This role is subject to amendments as the service evolves. What training do I need to complete and what support will I get? Volunteer Induction including basic HIV awareness Food Hygiene Quiz ( online) Service User Support training session Health & Safety briefing at your first shift Support from staff whilst on shift and from The Food Chain’s Volunteer & Services Manager in the office Expenses: Travel expenses can be reimbursed in line with the Finance Policy, up to a maximum of the value of a zone1-6 travel card Health and safety training provided. As we work with immunosuppressed people, we do not allow volunteers to do shifts if they are experiencing any symptoms of colds or stomach bugs etc, and we encourage service users to stay home if they are unwell.
Catering,General & Helping
Cleaning & Tidying
Supportive and confident nature. Ability to demonstrate an inclusive and non-judgemental attitude. Willingness to provide a level of emotional support to service users. An interest in promoting health and wellbeing. Ability to remain calm in a busy environment. Ability to read and remember information . Organised and able to work in a systematic way.
A supportive, friendly atmosphere, developing skills in customer service, health and safety knowledge, communication skills.
We hope for a commitment of one shift per month. Shift times are Wednesday or Saturday 10.00am – 3.00pm. This allows time for a briefing and set up before guests arrive and clear up time after the meal. You can volunteer on either or both days.
E1 4AQ
Positive East, 159 Mile End Road, London
1 minute walk from Stepney Green Underground station.
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