At a Glance
- Tasks: Help run our vibrant community café, serving food and drinks while creating a friendly 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 available, with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team and positively impact the lives of others in your community.
- Qualifications: Basic cooking skills and a friendly attitude; no prior experience required!
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 employer: Midland Mencap
Midland Mencap is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture, where volunteers can make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals with learning disabilities. Located in the vibrant Weoley Castle Community Centre, volunteers will enjoy flexible hours, comprehensive training opportunities, and the chance to connect with a diverse community while developing valuable skills. Join us in creating a welcoming environment at our Happy Bean Café, where your contributions are genuinely appreciated.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Café – Volunteer role Midland Mencap
✨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 get the chance to meet the team, let your passion for helping others shine through. Share why you want to volunteer at the Happy Bean Café and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to learn! If you’re not confident in the kitchen, don’t sweat it. Show that you’re eager to pick up new skills and that you’re open to training – Midland Mencap is all about supporting volunteers!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your application! A quick message thanking them for the opportunity and expressing your excitement can make a great impression. It shows you’re genuinely interested and keen to be part of the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Café – Volunteer role Midland Mencap
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 highlight any relevant experience you have, especially in cooking or working with diverse groups. We love seeing how your skills can contribute to our Happy Bean Café, so connect your past experiences to the role!
Show Your Commitment:Let us know why you want to volunteer with Midland Mencap specifically. Share your motivation for supporting people with learning disabilities and how you plan to make a positive impact in our café.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s super easy and ensures we get all the info we need to consider you for this fantastic opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
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
During the interview, let your passion for helping others shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your friendly nature and willingness to assist in a community setting. Being enthusiastic about the role can make a lasting impression on the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Skills
Be prepared to discuss your cooking and kitchen skills. If you have experience in group catering or food preparation, mention specific examples. If you lack formal experience, express your eagerness to learn and any relevant skills you possess, like basic cooking or food hygiene knowledge.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the café's operations or the team you'll be working with. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you. Questions about training opportunities or community events can also demonstrate your commitment to the position.
