VOLUNTEER KITCHEN ASSISTANT
Home - Start Greenwich
Volunteer Café Assistant Support our Welcome Café by helping with food prep, cooking, serving, and maintaining kitchen hygiene. Commit to just 2 hours weekly for at least 4 months. Full training, including our mandatory Volunteer Preparation Course, is provided. A great opportunity to gain experience and support local families in a friendly, community-focused setting.
Home-Start Greenwich are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to assist with food preparation, cooking, customer service, and food distribution for our established Welcome Café. Our aim is to ensure that our supported families and wider community have access to healthy and affordable meals and activities on a regular basis. Based at Brookhill Children’s Centre (42 Brumwell Avenue, Woolwich, SE18 6BD), we are looking for volunteers who can commit to regular time slots on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, for at least 2 hours per day. We ask that volunteers commit to a minimum of 4 months. The role involves helping to prepare and cook food for the Community Café lunch service, as well as serving food to customers while being a friendly and welcoming presence. Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of 6 consecutive weeks in the kitchen, attending each week without absence—except in the case of an emergency. If a full 6-week commitment isn't possible, volunteers are required to hold a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate and provide a copy before getting started. This role would suit someone interested in gaining experience in a busy but supportive kitchen environment and Children’s Centre, while supporting families in need. DUTIES Volunteer Community Café Assistants help to ensure the smooth running of the kitchen and are involved in food preparation, cooking, and customer service. Duties include: • Preparing and/or cooking food • Following weekly menus and suggesting new menu ideas • Working with and taking instructions from Centre staff • Liaising with service providers (e.g., food delivery services) • Unloading and storing food deliveries (including stock-taking and temperature checks) • Maintaining health, safety, and cleaning schedules in the kitchen • Collecting and disposing of kitchen waste correctly • Maintaining food hygiene standards in the kitchen at all times Training & Induction (Required Before Starting Placement) All volunteers must complete the following training and inductions prior to starting their placement: • Home-Start Greenwich Site Induction (conducted by an HSG Trained Fire Warden) • Current Food Hygiene Certificate – Level 2 (online training available if needed) • Food Allergen Training We value our volunteers' commitment to the Café and believe that the right training ensures a positive and confident start, while also supporting the health and safety of all customers and staff. Please note: A DBS check and completion of a Volunteer Preparation course are required for this role.
Advice, Information & Support,Befriending, Buddying & Mentoring,Catering,Community Work,Events & Stewarding,Employee & Group Volunteering,General & Helping
Cleaning & Tidying
Basic Communication Skills - Able to understand and follow instructions (verbal and written) Comfortable interacting with staff, other volunteers, and café customers Teamwork & Reliability Willing to work as part of a team and support others Able to commit to agreed shifts and arrive on time Basic Kitchen Awareness (No experience needed; training is provided) Comfortable working in a kitchen environment Willing to follow food safety and hygiene guidelines Physical Ability - Able to stand for periods of time and perform light physical tasks (e.g., chopping, serving, lifting light items) Positive Attitude & Willingness to Learn Friendly, respectful Enthusiastic about supporting the local community Optional (but nice to have): Interest in food, cooking, or community work Previous experience in customer service, kitchens, or volunteering (not required)
-Gain Valuable Experience -Hands-on experience in a busy kitchen and community café setting -Develop skills in food prep, customer service, teamwork, and food safety -Training & Personal Development -Access to free training, including a Food Hygiene Certificate and Volunteer Preparation Course -Build confidence and improve communication and organisational skills -Make a Real Difference -Support local families and contribute to a meaningful community project -Be part of an initiative that promotes healthy, affordable food access -Join a Friendly, Supportive Team Work alongside a welcoming and dedicated team of staff and volunteers -Enjoy a positive, inclusive environment with a strong community spirit -Improve Your CV & Employability -Gain references and skills that strengthen future job or education applications -Show commitment, reliability, and community engagement to future employers Feel Good! Enjoy the satisfaction that comes from helping others and giving back Meet new people and build connections in your local area
Minimum of 2 hours per week For a period of at least 4 months Volunteers in the kitchen are expected to commit to 6 consecutive weeks of attendance (except in emergencies) Flexibility in scheduling is available, but consistency is important to ensure smooth café operations
SE18 6BD
42 Brumwell Avenue, Woolwich, SE18 6BD
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