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Role: Church Engagement Volunteer Where: Hackney Time commitment: 3-6 hours weekly When: Hours are flexible over the week Main contact: Pt Why we want you Our vision is for a UK without the need for food banks. We know that our relationship with the church, both today and in the future, is incredibly important. This role will help us to strengthen our relationship and partnership with local churches as we come together to support those facing hardship in the community and campaign for justice. You will help ensure an active, strong and values-based connection between the food bank and local churches. Why volunteer with us Volunteering is a fantastic way for you to be involved in your local community and our volunteers are at the heart of all that we do as a food bank. The role of volunteers dedicating their time and skills is critical as we work to fulfil our vision of seeing the UK without the need for food banks. What you will be doing: • identify key churches from different denominations in the local area to build and/or strengthen a relationship with • provide regular communications to ensure churches are kept abreast of the work and impact of the food bank • proactively identify opportunities for collaboration and partnership working with the church for example through shared campaigns or food collections • give talks and host events to develop food bank awareness amongst church leaders and supporters • ensure churches are thanked in a timely manner for their support and donations • Work with churches to help them enable people experiencing financial hardship can belong fully and have agency within the church community • support a team of volunteers to further the impact of your reach and role. Skills you need: • knowledge of churches and Christian community groups • empathy and compassion • good interpersonal skills, particularly in active listening and establishing stakeholder relationships • understanding the need for confidentiality, safeguarding, data protection and the ability to adhere to our volunteer policies and guidelines • strong communication skills and confidence presenting to different audiences • strong IT skills – Microsoft Teams, Outlook, PowerPoint, 1Word, and Excel • ability to prioritise and manage a range of tasks, demonstrating flexibility • ability to get on with others and be part of a team, as well as being motivated to complete tasks independently. What’s in it for you: · having an enjoyable experience whilst volunteering with us · providing an essential and much needed service at our food bank · making a difference for people in the local community · Webinars and other resources to support you provided by the Church Engagement Team at Trussell Trust · The support of your Network Church Engagement Manager (in London and the North West) · Belonging to a local community of Church Engagement volunteers to develop your practice (in London and the North West) · meeting new people and being part of a motivated team · learning new skills and utilising your existing skills to make a difference · challenging yourself to try something different, learn and develop. Support and personal development This role requires a minimum commitment of 12 months. You will be given all the required training and provided with ongoing support and development opportunities. There will also be support available from the Trussell Trust Team. Training for this role will vary depending on your experience. You will also have a main contact at the food bank throughout your time volunteering with us. This role can involve volunteering from home; however, you will be required to spend some time in the food bank to understand how the food bank operates and to connect with other volunteers and staff.
You will be speaking with church leaders and congregations so being able to speak to groups and engage groups in getting involved are the key skills. You will need to keep records of your activity and may be reporting to a steering group and the Hackney Foodbank board.
You will develop a lot of skills and will meet a lot of people. Good networks are key to advancing any employment.
3-6 hours weekly
