Volunteers unloading van

What has enabled our organisation to function so efficiently since 1993? Well, this has to be our loyal and hard working volunteer team. Our volunteers come from every walk of life, whether younger or older. They may be retired people who have time to spare and may want to make use of the skills and experience gained over a lifetime; some want to learn new skills as a complete change from their previous activities. Younger people may be unemployed or are looking for work experience on the way to full-time education or employment. Some people may have had personal difficulties for a time, and although recovered, are just regaining the confidence to compete in the job market.

People often find that working here helps restore real self-esteem, a stepping stone to taking a full part in society. The big motivation is giving time to others, and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere and companionship of our other volunteers.

Volunteers Required

Van driver/furniture remover

We use a 3.5 tonne Transit Luton van, and so experience of driving this size of vehicle is required, together with a good driving record and a full licence. For insurance reasons you must be aged 25 years or over. The driver is part of the delivery/collection team, and carrying items in and out of homes and loading the van are essential parts of the work. Physical strength and fitness are therefore necessary. As a front-line representative of the Company, it is vital that you are able to project a friendly, courteous and tactful approach to clients. Normally you would be needed at one day each week although availability to do extra days to cover holidays, illness etc. would be an advantage. Working hours vary but are typically 9.00 am to 1.30 pm.

Van Team Leader

We would like to recruit a volunteer with some leadership qualities who may become an enthusiastic supporter of the work we carry out, who enjoys accepting some responsibility, and has the time to commit to the scheme on a regular basis on 2 or 3 days per week. After a suitable period of training and working under the direction of the Manager, you will need to feel comfortable in accepting the following duties:-

It would be ideal if you also have some experience of driving medium sized commercial vehicles and are suitably qualified to do so, but this is not essential.

Furniture removals and collections/warehouse duties

The delivery and collection of furniture is a key factor in the successful and efficient running of the service we provide. A fair degree of physical strength and fitness is certainly necessary, but also as a front line representative of the Company it is vital that you are able to project a friendly, courteous and tactful approach to clients and to those good enough to donate items to us. Great care must be taken to avoid damage being caused to peoples homes.
Dependant on our workload and the capabilities of other volunteers, there would also be a need for you to carry out other more general warehouse duties including cleaning and moving stock and loading and unloading the van at our store.
This is an interesting and varied position which gives the chance to help others in a very practical way, meet people and be part of a close-knit but friendly team. One or two days per week, one of which to include a Wednesday.