At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and lead engaging Lunch Club sessions for older residents, ensuring a fun and friendly atmosphere.
- Company: Join HI Friends, a community charity dedicated to enhancing the wellbeing of local residents.
- Benefits: Earn a competitive wage, enjoy 28 days annual leave, and gain valuable experience in a rewarding role.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing skills and building relationships with older people.
- Qualifications: Empathy, good communication skills, and a passion for supporting older individuals are essential.
- Other info: Flexible hours and term-time working options available, perfect for students seeking meaningful work.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
Friends of Histon & Impington Community (aka HI Friends) is a community wellbeing charity based in Histon and Impington, and has a dedicated Older Peoples’ Team providing a range of services and activities to support local residents. This includes a Lunch Club (formerly Histon & Impington Day Centre) which takes place twice weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays and fortnightly sessions on Thursdays.
The Lunch Club provides a place where older residents can enjoy a meal, social activities and friendship. Around 12 attend each session which is held at Kay Hitch Way Community Centre in Histon.
A Lunch Club Support Worker is needed to help lead weekly sessions on Tuesdays and Fridays and provide cooking support when required. Term time working and job share options would be considered.
Key role information- Number of hours – 40 hours per month to work two sessions a week on Tuesday and Friday (9.30am-2pm)
- Term of contract – Initial 12 month contract from March 2026 to March 2027
- Remuneration - Real Living Wage (£13.45 per hour)
- Line manager – Lunch Club Manager/Charity Manager
- Start date – March 2026
- Compliance – Enhanced DBS required
- Annual Leave – 28 days plus Bank Holiday pro-rata
- Supporting the Lunch Club: Provide session leader support at HI Friends Lunch Club twice a week helping with needs of those attending, help plan the activities programme, participating in activities with members, supervising volunteers and helping to ensure smooth operation of the Centre. When required help with preparation and cooking of meals, and comply with food hygiene procedures.
- Promote and encourage a proactive and supportive approach for existing services and activities in the village for older people.
- Networking, publicity, admin and other: Develop positive working relationships with existing service and activity providers. Be proactive with regard to personal learning and understanding, maintaining an up-to-date knowledge of older people’s health issues and best practice and attend relevant courses. Take responsibility for organising own work effectively and for delivering results. Work effectively with other members of the Wellbeing Team and charity staff.
- Awareness and understanding of main issues and needs facing older people
- Ability to interact and empathise well with older people
- Ability to deal calmly and confidently with people experiencing distress
- Good verbal and listening skills, approachable, and empathetic manner
- Good organisation and time management skills, and team player
- Reliable, independent and self-motivated
- Some flexibility in working hours
- A willingness to complete online Level 2 Food Hygiene qualification (2 hours)
- Good understanding and strong support of the Charity objectives and ethos
- Experience working with volunteers
- Experience of working with older people in a professional or voluntary role in a wellbeing care setting
- Some experience of a catering role of preparing and cooking meals
Closing date for applications: Wednesday 18th February. Please provide CV and letter of application detailing direct experience relevant to essential qualities and send to the Charity Manager. Interviews will take place in person in the week commencing 23rd February.
Lunch Club Support Worker in Histon employer: Orange Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Orange Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lunch Club Support Worker in Histon
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the charity! Research HI Friends and their mission. Understanding their values will help you connect with the team during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn or at community events. They can give you insider tips about the role and the culture, plus it shows your enthusiasm for joining the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about real-life examples of how you've supported older people or worked in a team. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them memorable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the role and ready to jump in with both feet!
We think you need these skills to ace Lunch Club Support Worker in Histon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with older people and any relevant skills you have. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your strengths!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about working with older people and how you can contribute to our Lunch Club. Keep it friendly and personal – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Team Spirit: Since this role involves working closely with volunteers and other team members, make sure to mention any teamwork experiences in your application. We’re all about collaboration here at HI Friends!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Orange Recruitment
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, take some time to understand the charity's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of older people in the community and think about how your skills can contribute to their wellbeing. This will show that you’re genuinely interested in the role and the organisation.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
As a Lunch Club Support Worker, you'll be interacting with older residents regularly. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated empathy and understanding. Think about situations where you’ve helped someone in distress or made a positive impact on someone's day.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Food Hygiene
Since part of the role involves meal preparation, brush up on food hygiene practices. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of food safety and any relevant qualifications you may have. If you haven’t completed the Level 2 Food Hygiene qualification yet, express your willingness to do so.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the Lunch Club and its activities. Ask about the types of meals served, the activities planned, or how they engage with the community. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.