About the Role:
We are looking for friendly and reliable volunteers to support our weekly Wednesday evening community meal at Wellspring Settlement.
This is a vegetarian and halal-friendly community meal, with gluten-free and vegan options. The meal runs from 5.30pm–8.00pm and provides a welcoming space for people to eat, chat and meet their neighbours in Barton Hill. It is open to everyone and operates on a pay-what-you-can basis.
Volunteers work alongside the Community Hub team to cook the meal and help create a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment. The Community Hub is an open-access space offering support, meaningful activities, signposting to services, and opportunities for social connection.
The Wednesday community meal aims to:
- Bring people together
- Reduce isolation
- Strengthen community resilience
- Provide a welcoming community space
- Offer affordable food for people experiencing rising food cost
We also welcome opportunities for the meal to grow into a creative and collaborative community space. This might include recipe sharing, cultural exchange through food, community fundraising ideas, music, talks, storytelling, or events that bring different communities together. Volunteers who have ideas, skills or enthusiasm for helping shape these activities are warmly encouraged to contribute.
Main Tasks:
- Food preparation (1.30–4.30pm)
Assisting the Community Hub Worker to prepare the vegetarian and halal one-pot meal ready to serve in the evening - we aim to cook for approximately 30 people.
- Setting up the space (until 5.30pm)
Arranging tables and chairs, setting out crockery, utensils and table decorations, and preparing the space for the meal.
- Serving and welcoming (5.30–8.00pm)
Serving food, welcoming guests, accepting donations, chatting with attendees, clearing tables, washing up, and helping keep the space tidy.
- Maintaining a safe and inclusive environment (throughout)
Helping ensure the hub remains welcoming, clean and respectful, and following Wellspring Settlement policies and procedures.
Shifts are flexible and can range from a full afternoon/evening to shorter 2–3 hour shifts.
What’s in It for You?
- Be part of a supportive and welcoming team
- Meet new people in your community and build connections
- Develop confidence and practical skills - including cooking vegetarian meals for groups
- Opportunities to share recipes, lead cooking ideas, or contribute to community events and fundraising activities
- Access to ongoing training and support
- Regular 1:1 support sessions with a Community Hub Worker
- Travel expenses (in line with the Volunteers Policy)
- Free tasty food and hot/cold drinks during your shift
- References after 6 months of regular volunteering
- The opportunity to make a positive difference in Barton Hill and surrounding areas
Skills and Qualities:
- Friendly, respectful and approachable
- Empathetic and good listeners
- Able to communicate with people from a range of backgrounds
- Reliable and able to commit to regular shifts
- Aware of the importance of boundaries and confidentiality
- Interested in cooking and food preparation
- Motivated to support their local community
- Happy working as part of a team
Community language skills are very welcome but not essential.