Bristol Methodist Centre New Volunteer roles 2023

Address: Lincoln Street, Lawrence Hill, Bristol, BS5 0BJ
Telephone: 0117 9555 606.
Email: manager a_t methodist-centre d_o_t org d_o_t uk

At the BMC we are looking to recruit volunteers willing to help with specific needs in the Centre. Having more volunteer help will release our fantastic staff to do more support work (e.g. liaising with local authorities, mental health services, key workers etc. on behalf of guests). The list below gives an outline of these volunteer roles. They could be filled by one person volunteering several days per week, or by more than one person sharing a role. Training and support will be provided where this is needed, please note that volunteering at the centre requires the volunteer to be over 18 years of age given the challenging but rewarding environment at the Centre.

Volunteer Role Kitchen

Hours per day 5
Days Mon, Tue, & Wed
Support the Centre Chef with food preparation and coordination of mealtimes. The volunteer will need food hygiene level one and two to work in the kitchen and prepare food. (The BMC can help arrange training if the qualifications are not already held).

Volunteer Role Day room

Hours per day 4
Days Mon, Tue, Wed, & Thu
Help to facilitate the smooth running of the busy day room to ensure that service provision does not become disrupted. Be on hand to assist guests with tasks either directed by the Centre Manager or Assistant Manager or independently if the request is within their scope of responsibility. E.g. chatting, making hot drinks, serving food from the hatch to tables, managing the list for showers, passing on requests for phone, computer, clothing etc. to BMC staff.

Volunteer Role Laundry

Hours per day 2
Days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thurs
Process washing and drying of guests’ clothes in the centre in a timely and professional manner – ensuring levels of stock are maintained and the upkeep of the machines is in order – any issues with washing machines or dryers to be reported to Centre Manager or Assistant Manager. This is a very valued area of our service provision for guests and the centre aims for it to operate as seamlessly as possible.

Volunteer Role Food Store

Hours per day 4
Days Mon, or Tue or Wed
Ensure that the food store is kept tidy and accessible. Check expiry dates, unpack new donations and organise them on the shelves. Inform the Centre Manager and/or Chef when stock levels are low.

Volunteer Role Garden

Keep the garden area in good condition. Encourage guests to help with the garden to ensure it remains a place of sanctuary and offers guests an opportunity to ‘give back’, e.g. by mowing the lawn, planting, keeping the area clean etc.

Volunteer Role Computer room

Hours per day 6
Days Mon, Tue, Wed, & Thu
Be knowledgeable in the area of IT and comfortable with helping guests to complete online application forms e.g. for the local council and government. Be able to offer one to one support or group sessions with guests to help them access online courses, write CVs, use the internet etc. (training will be offered to help navigate online portals around benefits, housing and other frequently used services)

Volunteer Role Chaplaincy

Hours per day 3-3.25
Days Two of Mon, Tue, Wed
Offer pastoral support to both guests and staff, organise a small service each Wednesday for guests, and services for the whole centre at Easter and Christmas.

Volunteer Recruitment Process

1.     Potential volunteers should contact the centre to express an interest and arrange to visit during opening hours. This will give a feel for what goes on and what to expect.
2.     Potential volunteers complete an application form (this includes giving the names of referees).
3.     Once referees are contacted and suitable references are received potential volunteers are invited for an informal interview.
4.     Volunteers who are accepted will be asked to have an enhanced DBS check for the role, which is working with vulnerable adults.
5.     Once accepted, volunteers will have induction. This includes shadowing staff and being asked to make themselves familiar with safety policies.
6.     Volunteers will commence work at the Centre on a three month probationary period.
7.     After the three month probationary period the Centre Manager will meet with volunteer to assess their suitability for the role.
8.     Volunteers must be over the age of 18.
9.     Volunteers are valued members of the team at the Methodist Centre and are included in on-going staff meetings, debriefing, training and social activities.