The purpose of this role is to help maintain a safe, welcoming, and well-presented environment at Focus Coffee House. The volunteer will support with basic maintenance, decorating, repairs, and practical tasks that help keep the café running smoothly for customers, volunteers, and the wider community.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys practical work, DIY tasks, and supporting community spaces.
Tasks may include:
Carrying out basic DIY and maintenance tasks
Supporting painting, decorating, and general upkeep
Assembling furniture or equipment
Helping maintain safe and tidy indoor and outdoor spaces
Carrying out minor repairs where appropriate
Supporting with café setup for events or activities
Reporting maintenance issues to staff
Helping create a clean, welcoming, and community-friendly environment
Assisting with gardening or outdoor improvements where needed
Tasks will be matched to individual skills, abilities, and confidence levels, with support provided where required.
No formal qualifications are required, although basic DIY or maintenance experience would be beneficial.
We are looking for people who are:
Practical and hands-on
Reliable and willing to help
Safety-conscious
Able to work independently or as part of a team
Positive and community-minded
Willing to learn new skills
Experience in decorating, maintenance, gardening, carpentry, repairs, or general DIY is helpful but not essential.
This role may suit:
Retired tradespeople
People wanting to share practical skills
Individuals looking to gain confidence or work experience
Volunteers interested in improving community spaces
When & Where
This role is based at Focus Coffee House in Chester-le-Street.
Volunteer opportunities are generally available:
Monday to Friday
Between 8:00am and 3:00pm
Some maintenance tasks may also take place outside normal café opening hours where appropriate and agreed in advance.
Flexible volunteering arrangements are available, including:
Short sessions
Weekly volunteering
Project-based support
Flexible or supported placements
Training, Support & Expenses
All volunteers will receive:
Full induction and guidance
Ongoing support from staff and volunteers
Health and safety guidance
Opportunities to develop practical and employability skills
Training opportunities may include:
Basic health and safety
Manual handling awareness
Safe use of equipment
Teamworking and communication skills
Travel expenses can be reimbursed in line with the organisation’s volunteer expenses policy.
Any equipment or materials required for tasks will be provided where appropriate.
Volunteering in this role can help you:
Develop practical DIY and maintenance skills
Gain confidence and experience
Meet new people and work as part of a supportive team
Improve wellbeing through purposeful activity
Strengthen teamwork and problem-solving skills
Contribute positively to your local community
Gain experience that may support future employment or volunteering opportunities
Volunteers will also have the opportunity to see the direct impact of their work in helping improve a valued community space.
Accessibility & Transport Information
Focus Coffee House aims to provide an inclusive and supportive 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.
Some aspects of this role may involve lifting, bending, or practical physical tasks. However, tasks can often be adapted based on individual abilities and support needs.
We will work with volunteers to make reasonable adjustments wherever possible.
Focus Coffee House is committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment for all volunteers.
We welcome applications from:
People of all ages and backgrounds
Individuals wanting to build confidence or practical skills
Retired or semi-retired people
Neurodiverse individuals
People returning to work or volunteering
Anyone interested in supporting their local community
Some tasks may involve working with tools or equipment under supervision and guidance.
