Food bank centre helper (Barking Distribution Centre Friday Volunteer)

As the welcoming face of the food bank you’ll be sociable, enjoy meeting people and able to offer friendly and caring support to those in crisis. You’ll receive and check food vouchers, prepare food parcels and make refreshments for the people who visit the food bank. You’ll provide a listening ear and support people in accessing other services with compassion and dignity.

We are committed to ensuring anybody visiting a food bank is welcomed, valued and treated with dignity. Volunteers take time to share a warm drink, discuss food requirements, offer a listening ear and, when appropriate, signpost people for further support and help.  

As a Food bank centre helper you will play a vital role giving direct support to people who use food banks, meeting and greeting people coming into the food bank, packing their food parcels, making them feel comfortable and providing further signposting support where appropriate.

In this role you can make a real difference to people’s lives providing vital help and support to those in crisis in your local community.

Main tasks and responsibilities

• Welcome clients to the foodbank centre.
• Receive vouchers, check validity and prepare food parcels according to the standard packing lists. 
• Make refreshments and tidy up as required during the session. 
• Offer a listening ear and signpost clients, as required to further support, using information from the signposting folder/leaflets. 
• Offer prayer to clients, when appropriate (if a volunteer is happy to do so). 
• Work under the guidance of the session leader and report any health & safety of safeguarding concerns to the project manager/session supervisor. 

Benefits to volunteer

• Using your existing skills to make a difference. 
• Meet new people who share your passion to eradicate poverty in the community. 
• Make a real difference to the running of your food bank. 

What skills do I need?

Skills, attributes, experience and qualifications

• Strong team player.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Empathetic.
• Has an eye for detail.
• Organised and self-motivated.

When do I need to be available?

Where does this role take place?