About the opportunity:

We are looking for a volunteer to help host the lunch club at the location.  The volunteer is asked to arrive 30 minutes before the start of the lunch club (usually 12 noon) to ensure that the venue is set up with tables, chairs, cups, saucers, plates & cutlery.  Volunteers are asked to prep the tea & coffee provisions and ensure that the soup is heated and rolls and butter set out before clients arrive.  Cakes may also need to be unboxed and sliced.

Volunteers are asked to welcome clients to the lunch club offer them a seat and refreshments.  Clients are asked to sign an attendance sheet for data collection (and if necessary for the track and trace system.)  Some clients may need encouragement to talk to others, and some may need encouragement to meet their designated volunteer driver after the session.

Volunteers will also be required to tidy the venue after the lunch club has ended.  This will also include washing up the crockery and cutlery.

Benefits to volunteer:
So many people don’t have family who live close to them. We connect people who want to help, with people who need help. It’s a win, win. Those who volunteer feel more engaged with the people within their own local communities. And those people who ask us for help are able to get to appointments, see their friends and get out and about.

About Ham & Petersham SOS:

Ham & Petersham SOS is a neighbourhood care group that provides regular social activities, transport to and from medical and social appointments, regular outings, a befriending service, list shoppers and a weekly shopping bus service.  We have a large team of volunteers who enable our services to run but who also have a wonderful community spirit and they are a valued part of the SOS family, but with the number of members increasing we always have a need for new volunteers.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for people of all ages with a heart for older and or disabled people. You will need to be reliable, friendly and approachable and have empathy, compassion and patience. You will need good listening skills and be able to engage in conversation, be happy to chat and get to know someone and possibly share their interests. You will need to be able to offer 3 hours on a regular basis/on a rota system

Practical Considerations

DBS Check, Informal discussion, References, Full training will be provided, Reimbursement for out of pocket expenses