At a Glance
- Tasks: Help run a vibrant community café, serving food and drinks while creating a welcoming atmosphere.
- Company: Join Midland Mencap, a charity dedicated to improving lives for those with learning disabilities.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, training opportunities, and meet new people while making a difference.
- Other info: Flexible volunteering hours with the chance to attend fun events like disco nights!
- Why this job: Be a friendly face in the community and support individuals with learning disabilities.
- Qualifications: Basic cooking skills, good communication, and a willingness to learn.
Who are Midland Mencap? Midland Mencap is a charity which offers accessible and inclusive services and a better quality of life for everyone with experience of learning disabilities and additional needs. Volunteering with Midland Mencap is your opportunity to help us achieve our vision.
Purpose of the role? Our Happy Bean Café in Weoley Castle Community Centre is a thriving and busy café area where visitors, staff or our citizens and their carers can enjoy hot or cold food, a drink or just sit and chat with their friends. We are looking for friendly and enthusiastic volunteers who would like to assist us in the day to day running of the community café!
What would I be doing?
- Help our regular community cook/community centre staff with general running of the café – Basic food preparation, cooking, serving drinks and meals, setting tables, clearing away, general tidying up, washing up etc.
- Helping to run the till point
- Successful volunteers may have the opportunity to occasionally run the kitchen in the absence of staff if they are confident!
- Being a friendly face to people using our Community Café!
What do I need?
- Experience of regularly cooking a variety of meals
- Some experience of group catering would be ideal but not essential
- Basic kitchen skills and the ability to learn – we can provide food hygiene certificate training if needed
- Ability to operate safely and independently in a kitchen environment
- Basic IT skills to run the till point
- Being approachable and friendly, building a rapport with customers
- Good communication skills
- Accepting of others who might be different to you and the ability to work as part of a diverse team
- A willingness to learn and work within guidelines set out by Midland Mencap
- Honesty, integrity and trustworthy
- Good time management skills, reliability
An enhanced DBS check will be required by all successful applicants.
When and where do you need me? Our community café is open Monday – Friday 8:30am – 2:30pm. We also host a monthly Friday night Disco and various events throughout the year! Choose the days that suit you. We are looking for volunteers to ideally attend at least once a week. Weoley Castle Community Centre, Bottetourt Rd, Birmingham B29 5TE.
What’s in it for me? As one of our valued volunteers, Midland Mencap will offer you:
- The opportunity to make a difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities and their family carers
- An induction and settling in period
- Any training and development that is needed
- The chance to develop your skills and gain experience
- The opportunity to meet new people and be part of a diverse team
- Support within your role
- Any out-of-pocket travel expenses
- Lots of appreciation for your amazing contribution
Community Café – Volunteer role Midland Mencap in Birmingham employer: Midland Mencap
Midland Mencap is an exceptional employer that offers volunteers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with learning disabilities and their families. Located in the welcoming Weoley Castle Community Centre, our vibrant Happy Bean Café fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture where you can develop your skills, meet new people, and receive training tailored to your needs. Join us in creating a positive community atmosphere while enjoying the flexibility of choosing your volunteering days and being appreciated for your invaluable contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Café – Volunteer role Midland Mencap in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the café vibe! Before you apply, pop in for a coffee and chat with the staff and volunteers. This will give you a feel for the place and help you connect with the team when you do apply.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your enthusiasm! When you volunteer, bring your energy and passion for helping others. A friendly smile and a positive attitude can go a long way in making a great impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t wait for tasks to be assigned; jump in and offer to help wherever you can. Whether it’s serving drinks or tidying up, showing initiative will make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Connect with the community! Engage with the café visitors and build rapport. The more you interact, the more you'll learn about their needs and how you can contribute effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Café – Volunteer role Midland Mencap in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for helping others and your passion for community work.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to read the job description carefully and highlight any relevant experience you have. If you've cooked for groups or worked in a café before, mention it! We love seeing how your skills match what we're looking for.
Keep It Clear and Concise:While we appreciate detail, try to keep your application straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. This helps us understand your experience and motivations without getting lost in the details.
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. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about volunteering with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Midland Mencap
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with Midland Mencap and their mission. Understand the role of a volunteer in the Happy Bean Café and be ready to discuss how your skills align with their needs, especially in food preparation and customer service.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
Bring your friendly and approachable personality to the interview. Share examples of how you've built rapport with others in previous roles or experiences, as this is key for working in a community café setting.
✨Be Ready to Learn
Express your willingness to learn and adapt. Mention any relevant experience you have, but also highlight your eagerness to gain new skills, like food hygiene training or operating the till point.
✨Ask Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the café's operations or the team dynamics. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute effectively.
