Cookery Course Volunteer (SH)

The Affordable Cookery Courses include a series of five Workshops which are generally held on a Tuesday. As well as addressing basic needs, such as cooking healthy, affordable and nutritious food, Service Users receive any technical and educational support they need to gain a Level 2 Certificate in Food Safety and Hygiene.
We are looking to develop a team of volunteers to support the delivery of these courses and to support each other. We aim to run six, five-week courses across the year with volunteers supporting as many courses as they are able to and covering for each other’s holidays.
As a volunteer you would be supporting Service Users from very different backgrounds and with very different levels of skill to feel welcome, enjoy learning, gain self-confidence and to cook more healthily on a tight budget. Our Education and Employment Coaches take the lead on the level 2 qualification, but should you also be interested in supporting that, please let us know.
The Affordable Cookery courses open the door to all our other practical support services, such as courses in basic budgeting and workshops to support mental health and wellbeing. They can also be the first step towards digital inclusion, further training and employment. Help people to believe in themselves.

Key Tasks

• Set up the room before each workshop.

• Offer service users a warm welcome and support.

• Help to make, serve and clear tea and coffee.

• Support our Case Workers as they deliver individualised practical training to the Service Users, such as equipment, use of food parcels, budgeting etc.

• Help to support and monitor Services Users’ literacy skills and learning styles as they read recipes and support materials for their Level 2 Certificate in Food Safety and Hygiene.

• Help Service Users risk assess and keep safe when using sharp equipment and cooking facilities.

• Build confidence and celebrate Services Users’ achievements, supporting them to extend them further.

• Add ideas about further ways to meet individual’s needs to the following week’s planning.

• Share a freshly cooked lunch and participate in social interaction with all at the meal table.

• Clear away after the workshop.

Full Role Description : https://thehopehub.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Cookery-Course-Volunteer-Role-Description-01_02_2022.pdf 

What skills do I need?

Essential requirements – The Hope Hub team can help and support with the following:

• A DBS check is required when working directly with vulnerable Service Users.

• A Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene Certificate is beneficial. This can be undertaken remotely or with support, over one day or longer as you wish.