Lunchtime Plug-in Kitchen Volunteer — Edinburgh

Homelessness and social isolation can affect people for many reasons, including poor mental health, loneliness, poverty, addiction, and family breakdown. Bethany’s Community Development Workers help address these challenges by creating welcoming spaces where people can access support, build relationships and feel part of a community.

Lunchtime Plug-in is a weekly community meal and drop-in run in partnership with Stenhouse Baptist Church. It offers free food, conversation, activities, support and signposting to individuals within the local community. The group provides a safe and welcoming environment where people can connect with others, reduce isolation and access practical support.

Summary of the role:

This volunteer opportunity supports the work of Bethany Christian Trust in its vision of “ending homelessness one person at a time.”  We are looking for a friendly and reliable Kitchen Volunteer who enjoys cooking and working as part of a team, to help with the smooth running of the group each week.

General responsibilities:

• Assisting with preparing and serving food for the Lunchtime Plug-in community meal.
• Helping with basic cooking and food preparation.
• Supporting with setting up before the group and clearing away afterwards.
• Washing dishes and helping maintain a clean and tidy kitchen environment.
• Welcoming and interacting positively with attendees, helping create a warm and inclusive atmosphere.
• Working alongside staff and other volunteers as part of the wider community team.
• Assisting with other practical tasks as required during the session.
• Alert a staff member of any safeguarding concerns about an individual or situation within the group.
• We work in an asset-based way so we would encourage our volunteers to work in this way and help towards co-producing the programme.

Important pre-requisites for the role:

• Volunteers should enjoy cooking and working with people from a variety of backgrounds.
• Previous kitchen or food preparation experience is desirable but not essential.
• A Food Hygiene certificate would be beneficial, though training can be provided.
• Volunteers should be friendly, approachable, reliable and willing to help where needed.
• Be able to work independently when needed.
• The role can vary from week to week, so volunteers should be adaptable and able to use initiative.
• Volunteers should be respectful and sensitive to the needs of individuals who may be experiencing loneliness, poor mental health, homelessness or other challenges.
• Though the role does not require the volunteer to be a Christian, they must be aware and respectful of the Christian ethos upon which Bethany Christian Trust is founded.

Location:
Stenhouse Baptist Church, 30 Stenhouse Grove, Edinburgh EH11 3EE

Pattern of hours:

• Thursdays, 10am – 1.30pm

Lunchtime Plug-in Kitchen Volunteer Role Description