Job Detail
Job Description
Fresh Start Kitchen
Cooking Volunteer
Role Description
Purpose of the Cooking volunteer role
Fresh Start Kitchen requires volunteers to work alongside our service users to develop confidence and skills in cooking independently.
Task Description
- Assist *service users in a short course of cooking classes or assist with a Family Friday session, a taster session, a bespoke group or a community meal
- Assist the volunteer coordinators in preparation for the sessions
- Follow health and safety procedures in the kitchen
- Set up and clean down after sessions
- Demonstrate and encourage good Food Hygiene practices in the kitchen
- Liaise with the volunteer coordinator about the role, the client and any issues that arise
- Engage with and support the service users during the cooking sessions
- Engage with the group; this includes eating the meal together at the end of the session
- Adhering to all Fresh Start policies and procedures, and respecting client confidentiality
*Some of our service users may be dealing with complex issues such as drug and alcohol dependency, mental health issues and/or learning difficulties. Volunteers are required to adopt a non-judgemental attitude towards our groups.
Skills and Personal Qualities
| Desirable | Essential |
| Confident with cooking and following a recipe
|
Reliable, punctual & committed
|
| An understanding of our charity, community and service users
|
Patient
|
| Adaptable and flexible | Good listening & communication skills
|
| In good health and physically active
|
Kind, inclusive and non-judgemental |
| Good sense of humour
|
Enthusiastic and willing to engage and participate with clients from complex backgrounds |
What Fresh Start Can Offer
- Relevant training, induction, shadow shift and ongoing support
- The chance to make a positive difference to people’s lives
- Volunteer events and other ways to get involved with the charity
- Out of pocket expenses for travel where appropriate
Commitment and location
Available for 4 week blocks for classes which take place Mon-Fri during working hours
Available for weekly Family Friday sessions or one off Bespoke Groups or Community meals
Available for full length of session (4 hours)
Available for debrief sessions after 4 week block or group activity
A minimum commitment of 3 months volunteering is required
A basic disclosure is required
Fresh Start Kitchen is situated next door to Fresh Start premises at –
28-30 Ferry Road Drive
EH4 4BR
For further information please contact –
Cooking Volunteer Coordinators – cooking@freshstartweb.org.uk
Ruth Hunnam 07549127604
Rachel Guatelli 07727820409 or email