Category: Volunteering

Uttlesford Community Action Network (UCAN) in partnership with, The Active Wellbeing Society are setting up a mobile community supermarket, to support local residents. We are looking for volunteers to make this possible.

Along with a supervisor, Community Supermarket Volunteers will support the smooth running of the mobile supermarket and operation of a mobile shop-like model where customers pay a small fee for the food they purchase. Volunteering will involve a range of tasks:

• Sorting food/surplus stock.
• Setting up the mobile supermarket.
• Welcoming and serving customers.
• Clearing away.
• Engaging with the service users.
  

The mobile supermarket will visit 8 locations across Uttlesford over a two week period. We are looking for volunteers in/near Elsenham, Thaxted, Hatfield Heath, Hatfield Broad Oak, Felsted, Little Hallingbury, South Dunmow and Takeley. Volunteers will be needed for approx. 2 hrs.

We are looking for volunteers who:

• Love food and helping people.
• Are creative and like thinking on their feet.
• Enjoy being part of a hard-working team.
• Enjoy a fast-paced environment with a healthy buzz
• Be involved in the heart of the community.

For further information:

Contact us on T: 01371 404525

E: volunteer@ucan.org.uk

Volunteers are needed to make post discharge wellbeing telephone calls to check in with the patient and ensure they have everything they need and feel connect and cared for.

This is an occasional role, for volunteers with computer confidence and access to a telephone. The purpose of the call is to make sure the patient has everything they need to safely be at home. Questions will provided and responses are logged directly into our patient management system – Ticket Home. You will be supported by our Ticket Home Coordinator and will be given training

Skills needed:

• Good communication skills
• Kind, patient and compassionate
• Good people skills
• Calm and adaptable
• Basic IT skills
• Ability to use own initiative

For further information:

Contact us on T: 01371 404525

E: volunteer@ucan.org.uk

A local charity based in Thaxted who offers craft activities to adults living with physical disability is looking for a Chairman and Secretary to support the work of the charity.

The Chairmans role would involve chairing the Trustee meetings (presently four times per year), promoting the charity, liaising with the Treasurer and Secretary to ensure the charity meets its regulatory obligations, supporting the funding co-ordinator as well as fund raising initiatives. The Centre is run by a volunteer manager on a day to day basis but the Chairman will need to take an interest in the work being done and help with decision making if needed.

The secretary’s role would include:

• Organisation of quarterly committee meetings including preparation and issue of the agenda.
• Preparation and issue of meeting minutes.
• Organisation of an AGM including circulation of invites and agenda.
• Set up of meeting and provision of documents for attendees.
• Maintaining the file of minutes electronically and hard copy.

For further information

Contact us on:

Telephone: 01371 404525

Email: volunteer@ucan.org.uk

Adult Friendship Volunteers support adults who have a range of disabilities in a variety of social and leisure activities and settings.

The role of volunteers within this project is to befriend and support participants to access activities which will promote their self-confidence, independence, social and life skills. This can include accessing the local community in small groups and participating in activities that are of interest to the adults using this service. Regular social meetings are held in Uttlesford on a Tuesday evening where many members meet and participate in activities as a larger group.

Skills needed:

• Supporting adults to participate in a range of social and leisure opportunities of mutual interest.
• Using initiative to help in a situation where another member of the group, either member, staff or volunteer, may need support.
• Becoming a member of a friendly, committed team.
• Expressing ideas for new/different activities.
• Attending volunteer meetings & training sessions relevant to the role.
• To follow the guidelines and policies, including those designed to protect well-being of vulnerable adults.

For Further information:

Contact us on T: 01371 404525  E: volunteer@ucan.org.uk

To register your interest: Click Here

Audley End has a large Volunteer team who look after the House and Grounds. The team are a wonderfully diverse and friendly group who help to give a warm welcome to all visitors at Audley End.

We are looking for volunteers to become Explainers for visitors at Audley End House and Gardens. The role would include varying activities such as providing a warm welcome for all visitors, helping to tell the story of the house and collection, helping with family trails, helping to protect and preserve the collection and attending the relevant training courses and workshops to increase your knowledge of the site.  Full training on the role and health and safety will be provided as well as site and role induction with your dedicated Volunteer Manager.

Skills needed:

• A friendly, enthusiastic manner and an enjoyment of dealing with people from all walks of life
• Confidence in ability to communicate well with all age groups
• Keenness to learn more about English Heritage sites
• Confidence in being alone with members of the public

For further information:

Contact us on T: 01371 404525 E: volunteer@ucan.org.uk

UCAN support people who are struggling with their gardens to do a one off tidy. Volunteer gardeners are needed.

We are looking for volunteers to help elderly and vulnerable people tidy up and bring new life to their gardens. This would be an ad hoc volunteering role as and when needed.

No specific skills are required for this role but a love of gardening may help.

All volunteering will be done in a secure way with a risk assessment carried out by a member of staff beforehand.

For further information:

Contact us on T: 01371 404525 E: volunteer@ucan.org.uk

Meet and Greet Volunteers provide a friendly welcome for visitors. 

Meet and Greet volunteers provide a warm and friendly welcome to visitors, including coach parties and pre-booked groups. As the first point of contact, you’ll:

• Provide a brief orientation to the site including information about any events or activities and park closing times
• Provide welcome information to coach parties
• Ensure group leaders know where to pay for admission
• Advise people where to park
• Ensure all those visiting check in at admissions
• Advise people on where to find guidebooks etc.
• Assist people with disabilities to access mobility scooters or golf cart

Sessions run from 10am to 4pm (5pm in the summer holidays) every day of the week from March to November with flexible sign-up to suit your availability; there is also the option to do a half-day.

Throughout the rest of the year, there are opportunities to volunteer at the weekends when the site is open to the public.

Skills needed:

• Confident, effective communicators
• A team player, who have a positive attitude to working with visitors to enhance their visit
• Volunteers in this role will have to stand for long periods and will have to spend time outside in all weathers

For further information:

Contact us on T: 01371 404525 E: volunteer@ucan.org.uk

 

The St. Clare Hospice Shop in Saffron Walden is one of the town’s best-kept secrets, offering an eclectic mix of clothing, homeware and some furniture

The shop is known locally for stocking unusual jewellery, watches and other trinkets, and is a treasure-trove of goodies, all sold in support of the hospice.

St Clare in Saffron Walden now need extra help in their busy shop. If you are able to volunteer either for a few hours or a day or two a week, please contact UCAN Volunteer Coordinator Susan Dennison on 01799 510525 for further details, or email volunteer@ucan.org.uk with details of your availability and we will be in touch.

Please contact UCAN in the first instance, as we are helping to fill these volunteer opportunities.

Thank you for your interest.