At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in running a vibrant community café, serving food and drinks while engaging with visitors.
- Company: 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 develop your skills in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community and support individuals with learning disabilities.
- Qualifications: Basic cooking skills, friendly attitude, 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.
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. Location: Weoley Castle Community Centre, Bottetourt Rd, Birmingham B29 5TE.
What’s in it for me?
- 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 employer: Midland Mencap
Midland Mencap is an exceptional employer, offering volunteers a chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with learning disabilities while fostering a warm and inclusive work culture. Located in the vibrant Weoley Castle Community Centre, volunteers can enjoy flexible hours, receive valuable training, and develop their skills in a supportive environment, all while being part of a diverse team that values every contribution.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Café – Volunteer role
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the community! Before you apply, spend some time visiting the café and chatting with staff and regulars. This will give you a feel for the vibe and help you connect with the team when you volunteer.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your enthusiasm! When you’re volunteering, let your passion for helping others shine through. A friendly smile and a positive attitude can make all the difference in creating a welcoming atmosphere.
✨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 tidying up or serving drinks, showing initiative will impress the staff and make your experience more rewarding.
✨Tip Number 4
Network while you’re there! Use your time at the café to meet new people and build connections. You never know who might have insights or opportunities that could help you in your future job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Café – Volunteer role
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 the role and your passion for helping others.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to read the job description carefully and highlight any relevant experience you have. Whether it’s cooking, customer service, or working in a team, we want to know how your skills fit with what we're looking for!
Keep It Clear and Concise:While we love a good story, keep your application straightforward. Use clear language and bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our Happy Bean Café.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Midland Mencap
✨Know the Mission
Before your interview, take some time to understand Midland Mencap's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to inclusivity and support for individuals with learning disabilities. This will help you align your answers with their goals and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
This role is all about being friendly and approachable, so let your enthusiasm shine through during the interview. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your passion for community service and working with diverse groups. A positive attitude can go a long way in making a great impression!
✨Demonstrate Your Skills
Be prepared to discuss your cooking and kitchen skills, even if they're basic. Mention any relevant experience you have, like group catering or food preparation. If you’ve worked in a café or similar environment before, share those experiences to showcase your ability to contribute effectively to the team.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the café's operations or the team dynamics. This shows that you're engaged and eager to learn more. You might ask about the types of events they host or how volunteers are supported in their roles, which can also give you insight into what to expect.
