The Well is a Café … and so much more!
In this role you will help us operate our Trussell Trust Foodbank, which supports people in food crisis in West Auckland, Bishop Auckland, Teesdale and further afield.
All our foodbank clients are assessed for eligibility externally, so you won’t need to ask anyone any awkward questions about their financial situation… when they come in to see us we their details against the Trussell Trust online system, check with them about their needs and preferences and pack their food parcel.
Every volunteer role is customised for the individual, and full training and support will be given.
There are 2 roles within the food bank
Greeter
When clients come to us they’re often very nervous and having a really tough time. Food bank greeters sensitively welcome food bank clients into the café, liaise with café staff to ensure that the client has a drink and are comfortable. Check food bank clients data against the secure Trussell Trust online system, discuss client needs and preferences to ensure that we pack them a foodbank parcel that they can use.
Packer
Food bank packers take information from the greeter and pack a food bank parcel appropriate for the individual, they think creatively about how the elements of the food bank parcel can be used to put together wholesome and nutritionally balanced meals and communicate with the Food Bank Manager about any low stock items in our warehouse.
Volunteers often opt to specialise as either a greeter or a packer but it’s possible to do both if that’s your preference.
Greeter
- Good sense of humour and people skills.
- Confident to use IT systems (Training and support will be given, we promise it’s not scary!)
- Ability to observe confidentiality, GDPR and discretion.
- Ability to suspend your own judgement when dealing with clients.
- Ability to show empathy, care and compassion.
Packer
- Generosity
- Physical strength enough to lift and carry heavy shopping bags.
- Ability to observe confidentiality, GDPR and discretion.
- Ability to follow instructions to maintain a safe warehouse (manual handling etc.)
- An understanding of how to put together a wholesome meal
The Well Coffee Shop is in the Village of West Auckland. The Foodbank operates 10am – 2pm Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
We welcome applications from volunteers who can offer a full day (4 hours) a week or a half day (2 hours) per week.
The address is: 46 East Green, West Auckland, Bishop Auckland DL14 9HJ
You would join a small team of volunteers who are a warm community supported by a member of staff. You would enjoy a bespoke personal development and training plan based on the needs of the roles and your personal goals as an individual.
All training required for the role will be provided free of charge to you and reasonable expenses (eg. Bus fare) will be reimbursed.
We are happy to work with partners in the to offer volunteer roles to people who have additional barriers and need extra support. Please contact us about this as our capacity to offer supported roles is limited.
You would join our friendly team of volunteers, who work together and care for each other to make a real change in our community. Our volunteers tell us they enjoy their time in the Café they have fun together and feel fulfilled in their roles.
The Well is a fully volunteer led project! You can get involved as much or as little as you like and we’re happy to let you try out new ideas and approaches. Your voice will always be listened to.
We would provide all training required at no cost to you, and we would work with you to create an individual plan to help you achieve your personal development goals.
All reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
West Auckland is to the West of Bishop Auckland, on the A68. The village is served by bus routes
X21 (Spennymoor, Durham, Chester le Street)
85 (Cockfield, Evenwood, Staindrop, Barnard Castle)
84A (Evenwood, Cockfield, Darlington)
6 (Durham, Cockfield, Barnard Castle)
And we will reimburse expenses of travelling to us by bus.
The Well is a project of West Auckland Vineyard Church. Volunteers do not have to be Christians but must understand and respect our Christian values.
We are committed to safeguarding and every role is built around the needs of the volunteer and the organisation and risk assessed, you may be asked to undergo an enhanced DBS depending on the requirements of the role.
All volunteers are required to give the contact details of 2 people who will give references as to your suitability for the role.
We are committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, we welcome volunteers of all backgrounds and abilities – let’s chat about how we can make this role work for you.
