At a Glance
- Tasks: Create a warm, welcoming atmosphere and serve breakfast to those in need.
- Company: Join YMCA Leicestershire, a leading youth-homelessness charity making a real difference.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, training, and be part of a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on people's mornings and help your community.
- Qualifications: Friendly, reliable, and willing to learn; experience in hospitality or homelessness is a plus.
- Other info: Flexible hours, great for students looking to volunteer and gain skills.
We are delighted to present our new volunteer opportunity for 2025, helping to create a warm start to the day for people who need it most. Our warm welcome volunteer plays a key part in helping to create a calm, friendly and welcoming space at the YASC breakfast drop-in service. You’ll be offering a warm smile, hot food and drink, and an important sense of stability to people who are experiencing homelessness, rough sleeping or are vulnerably housed.
Hours of work: 7.30 am – 10/10.30 am, 2-3 hours weekly/fortnightly depending on availability – we are flexible and grateful for any time you can give.
Location: Leicester City Centre
Tasks & Responsibilities:
- Creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere for everyone who walks through the door in line with YMCA Leicestershire’s values.
- Be a welcoming point of contact for our service users, staff, partner agencies and YASC visitors.
- Assist in the preparation and serving of breakfast during the busy morning drop-in session – including hot and cold drinks, cereals and toast.
- Helping to keep the space clean, calm and organised (wiping tables, washing up, clearing away).
- Supporting stock rotation and replenishing supplies.
- Being a friendly point of contact and signposting service users to staff for advice and support.
- Supporting occasional YASC events.
- Be aware of emergency evacuation procedures (training provided).
- Maintain professional boundaries, ensure a high standard of customer service and modelling YASC values.
YMCA Leicestershire takes very seriously its responsibilities to ensure that children and adults at risk are protected from harm. As a volunteer at YASC you will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check. This will be funded by YMCA Leicestershire.
What you will gain:
- The chance to make a meaningful difference to people’s mornings.
- Experience in a supportive, welcoming team environment.
- Skills in hospitality, communication and teamwork.
- Confidence working in a community-focused setting.
- Access to training.
- A warm, inclusive culture – you’ll be part of something genuinely impactful.
Personal Qualities Required:
- Friendly and approachable communication.
- Reliability and a willingness to help.
- Calm and professional manner.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
- Ability to work safely and respectfully.
- Willingness to learn and be part of a team.
Desirable Skills & Qualifications:
- Experience of working within Homelessness and/or Housing would be an advantage.
- Experience of working within a catering environment would be an advantage.
About the organisation: YMCA Leicestershire is a leading youth-homelessness charity working with vulnerable young people and adults across Leicester and Leicestershire. YASC (Y Advice & Support Centre) is our drop-in centre – open to anyone who is homeless, at risk of homelessness or vulnerably housed. It offers a safe, welcoming environment where people can access essentials like breakfast, toiletries, laundry, and clean clothes; make use of toilets, showers and telephone facilities; and access practical one-to-one advice and support. Through YASC we help people find suitable accommodation, access benefits, food banks or mental-health and addiction support, and take first steps towards rebuilding their lives.
Why this role matters: YASC is often the first safe place, or friendly place, someone might visit after a difficult night. Your presence can:
- Make someone feel seen and respected.
- Give them a moment of normality and comfort.
- Help the team run an invaluable community service.
- Contribute to the wider work of YMCA Leicestershire.
- Every cup of tea, every warm hello, every tidy table counts.
More Information: More information on YMCA Leicestershire, our volunteer charter, volunteer requirements and all our policies and procedures can be found within our volunteer handbook.
Safeguarding Statement: We are dedicated to upholding best practices to ensure the safety and well-being of children, young people and adults at risk. Our goal is to create an environment free from harm and abuse. If harm or abuse is identified or suspected, YMCA expects staff and volunteers to take appropriate action by responding and referring in line with our policies and operational procedures.
EDI Statement: At YMCA Leicestershire, we are committed to building an inclusive workplace that celebrates diversity and values the unique contribution of every individual. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences, and we are especially keen to hear from those who are currently underrepresented in our organisation and the wider charity sector. We are dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment where everyone feels respected, empowered, and able to thrive. If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process, please let us know and we will do our best to support you.
GDPR Statement: Applicants' personal data will be handled in accordance with YMCA Leicestershire’s Data Protection and Privacy Policy.
Warm Welcome Volunteer (Breakfast Drop-In) in Leicester employer: ACT Training Ltd
Contact Detail:
ACT Training Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Warm Welcome Volunteer (Breakfast Drop-In) in Leicester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Before your interview, check out YMCA Leicestershire's values and mission. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your warm welcome! Since this role is all about creating a friendly atmosphere, think of ways to express your approachability. A simple smile and a few kind words can go a long way in making someone feel at home.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to share your experiences! Whether it's volunteering or working in hospitality, think of examples that highlight your reliability and teamwork skills. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can contribute positively to the breakfast drop-in.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows that you’re proactive and keen to be part of our community-focused team.
We think you need these skills to ace Warm Welcome Volunteer (Breakfast Drop-In) in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for helping others and why this role matters to you.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to read the job description carefully and highlight how your skills and experiences align with what we're looking for. Show us that you understand the role of a Warm Welcome Volunteer and how you can contribute to our mission.
Keep It Clear and Concise: While we love a good story, keep your application straightforward. Use clear language and get to the point quickly. This helps us see your key strengths without getting lost in too much detail.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role as soon as possible. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at ACT Training Ltd
✨Know the Mission
Before your interview, take some time to understand YMCA Leicestershire's mission and values. This role is all about creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere, so being able to articulate how you align with their goals will show your genuine interest in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Soft Skills
As a Warm Welcome Volunteer, you'll need to be friendly and approachable. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated these qualities. Think about times when you’ve helped others or created a positive environment—these stories will resonate well during the interview.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle the responsibilities listed in the job description. For instance, they might ask how you would manage a busy breakfast service or maintain a clean and organised space. Practise your responses to these scenarios to show you're ready for the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how volunteers are supported. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you.