At a Glance
- Tasks: Help create a welcoming café atmosphere and support customers with food and drinks.
- Company: Creative Support, a community-focused organisation making a difference.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, meet new people, and make a positive impact.
- Other info: Flexible hours available; perfect for students looking to volunteer.
- Why this job: Join a friendly team and enhance your hospitality skills while helping others.
- Qualifications: Enthusiasm for customer service and teamwork; no prior experience needed.
Voluntary Basis
Horsforth, Leeds
Part‑Time
We are looking for a friendly and enthusiastic Café Volunteer to support our team at our Café, working with staff and people we support. Volunteering with Creative Support is a wonderful opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people with support needs. As a Café Volunteer, you will play a key role in helping the café run smoothly and creating a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere for customers. Working closely alongside our staff team, you’ll support the day‑to‑day running of the café, helping people we support to serve customers and prepare food and drinks. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys conversation, working as part of a team and is interested in a hospitality/customer service role. The Courtyard Café is located in Horsforth and is open to the public. Staff work alongside people we support, working with them to serve customers, prepare food and use the coffee machine. If you can spare a couple of hours on a regular basis, we would love to hear from you!
Volunteer Duties
- Welcoming customers and helping create a friendly, inclusive atmosphere.
- Assisting with setting up and clearing the café, including moving tables and chairs.
- Ensuring the space is clean, tidy, and accessible for all, including wheelchair users.
- Preparing and serving hot and cold drinks, such as tea and coffee.
- Serving refreshments and snacks in line with food hygiene guidance.
- Washing up and keeping kitchen and serving areas clean.
- Following guidance from café staff and working as part of a team.
- Observing health and safety procedures at all times and reporting any safeguarding concerns to Creative Support staff members.
- Understanding and working within Creative Support Policies and procedures, respecting boundaries.
- Attending regular supervisions with your allocated volunteer supervisor and completing any training provided.
Hours: Flexible days/times, the café is open Monday to Saturday, 9:30am-3:30pm
Friendly Café Volunteer - Hospitality & Customer Service in Horsforth employer: CREATIVE SUPPORT
Creative Support in Carlisle is an exceptional employer that prioritises inclusivity and diversity, fostering a supportive environment for both staff and residents. With flexible hours, comprehensive training, and generous benefits such as a probationary bonus and 28 days of annual leave, including a paid day off on your birthday, we are dedicated to the growth and well-being of our care staff. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of older adults while enjoying a rewarding career in a compassionate community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Friendly Café Volunteer - Hospitality & Customer Service in Horsforth
✨Get Involved with Local Events
Join local food festivals or community events where volunteer spots are often available. This is a great way to meet industry professionals and show your passion for hospitality while gaining hands-on experience!
✨Tap into Hospitality Networks
Connect with local hospitality groups or associations that often look for volunteers. Websites, forums, and social media pages specific to food service can offer opportunities and insights. Plus, networking here could lead to future paid positions!
✨Showcase Your Skills in Unique Ways
Create a little portfolio showcasing any past volunteer experiences in the food service industry. Even if it's just photos from events or a blog about your experiences, it gives potential hosts a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Apply Directly Through Our Site
If you spot a volunteer opportunity with CREATIVE SUPPORT, make sure to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and considered quickly by the right people.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Hospitality:When applying for a volunteer role in hospitality, it’s all about showing your enthusiasm for the food service industry. Let us see your passion in your cover letter! Talk about why you love the hustle and bustle of a busy kitchen or how you enjoy making guests feel welcome. This can really set you apart from other applicants.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Even if you haven't worked in hospitality before, include any customer service experience you have. Did you help out in a café, assist at events, or even work in retail? Just remember to mention any specific skills relevant to the role, like teamwork or communication, because these are gold in our industry!
Fun and Informal Tone Is Key:For a volunteer role, don’t be afraid to inject a bit of personality into your CV and cover letter. We love candidates who can bring a sense of joy to their application. So, use a friendly tone and maybe share a quirky story related to hospitality that highlights your character!
Include Availability and Commitment:Volunteering often requires flexibility, so be clear about when you're available to help out. Whether it's weekends, weekdays, or specific hours, adding this info shows that you're committed and ready to jump in. It’s also worth mentioning any long-term availability, as we love volunteers who want to stick around!
How to prepare for a job interview at CREATIVE SUPPORT
✨Showcase Your People Skills
In the hospitality food service industry, your ability to connect with others is crucial. Talk about previous experiences where you’ve interacted with customers or worked in a team setting. Let’s emphasise how you can create a welcoming atmosphere and handle diverse situations with a smile!
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to face situational questions or role-play scenarios during your interview. You might be asked how you'd handle a difficult customer or manage a busy service period. Think through examples from your experience, or at least how you'd want to tackle those challenges.
✨Express Your Passion for Volunteering
As you’re applying for a volunteer role, it’s vital to convey your motivation for giving back. Be ready to discuss why you want to volunteer at CREATIVE SUPPORT specifically, and how it aligns with your personal values or career goals in hospitality.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Menus and Local Offerings
Take some time to research the types of food and drinks that CREATIVE SUPPORT serves, especially if they have a unique twist or local flair. Showing that you’ve taken the initiative to understand their menu will not only impress but also help you respond effectively to customer queries in the future.
