The purpose of this role is to support the day-to-day running of Focus Coffee House while helping create a welcoming, inclusive, and community-focused environment for visitors, volunteers, and customers. Volunteers will have the opportunity to build confidence, gain practical experience, develop new skills, and contribute positively to the local community.
Welcoming and supporting customers
Preparing and serving food and drinks
Supporting community activities and events
Assisting with café operations and cleanliness
Encouraging social interaction and reducing isolation
Helping with fundraising or community engagement
Working as part of a supportive volunteer team
Learning workplace and employability skills
Volunteers will receive guidance and support throughout their placement and tasks will be adapted to suit individual strengths, interests, and confidence levels.
We are looking for people who are:
Friendly and approachable
Reliable and willing to learn
Good team players
Respectful and inclusive of others
Positive and community-minded
Interested in developing new skills and experiences
Focus Coffee House welcomes volunteers from all backgrounds and abilities, including people with additional support needs, neurodiverse individuals, and those returning to work or volunteering after time away.
All volunteer roles are based at Focus Coffee House in Chester-le-Street.
Volunteer opportunities are available during café opening hours:
Monday to Friday
Between 8:00am and 3:00pm
Flexible volunteering arrangements may be available, including:
Morning shifts
Afternoon shifts
Short sessions
Weekly placements
Flexible or supported placements
Volunteer hours can be adapted around study, caring responsibilities, health needs, or other commitments where possible.
All volunteers will receive:
Full induction and role-specific training
Ongoing guidance and support
Opportunities to learn new skills
A supportive and inclusive environment
Supervision from experienced staff and volunteers
Travel expenses can be reimbursed in line with the organisation’s volunteer expenses policy.
Additional training opportunities may also be available
Volunteering with Focus Coffee House can help you:
Build confidence and self-esteem
Meet new people and reduce isolation
Gain practical work experience
Develop employability and communication skills
Learn hospitality and customer service skills
Strengthen teamwork and leadership abilities
Improve wellbeing and social connection
Access future training and progression opportunities
Contribute positively to your local community
Volunteering may also support progression into employment, education, apprenticeships, or further community involvement.
Focus Coffee House aims to provide an inclusive and accessible volunteering environment.
Location:
Focus Coffee House
9 South Burns
Chester-le-Street
DH3 3EZ
The café is located on a main bus route with good public transport links and is within walking distance of Chester-le-Street train station.
We will work with volunteers to make reasonable adjustments wherever possible to ensure placements are accessible and supportive.
Focus Coffee House is committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for everyone.
We encourage applications from:
Young people
People with disabilities or additional needs
Neurodiverse individuals
Carers
People returning to work
Individuals seeking confidence-building opportunities
People looking to gain work experience
Some roles may require references or safeguarding checks depending on the nature of the placement.
