Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Hub. We are always looking for volunteers for general cafe duties.
Read on to find out more about volunteering and how it can be beneficial to you too!
Have you ever volunteered? Thinking of giving it a go? Then read on!
With the busy lives we lead just the thought of volunteering might seem overwhelming, but in reality it can be very beneficial. It’s easy to think about the positive impact that volunteers have on others, but we don’t often consider how rewarding it can be for the volunteer.
Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Hub in Melbourn, working alongside our dedicated paid staff. We need extra help in a variety of ways from food preparation and serving and helping in the cafe, in library services or helping to set up meetings for the many organisations that use our facilities, or even events and marketing. If you have ever thought about volunteering then now is the time to give it a go!
How has it made a difference to our volunteers?
“It has greatly enriched my involvement and enjoyment of the village”, Moira
“I have met lots of new friends from the village among the volunteers.”, Janet
“Gives me time to focus on something different from the ‘day job’ and is very satisfying”, Sally-Ann
“It has given me an understanding as to how a business functions behind the scenes.”, Steve
“I have met people I would not have met otherwise and enjoy their company.”, Arthur
You can be any age but we prefer you to be 16+ for health and safety reasons, there is something for everyone – some activities are more involved than others, some require training, others do not and we provide free refreshments plus lunch if you are working more than a 2 hour shift.
3 reasons to volunteer at the Hub…
Gain new skills or share existing ones
Volunteering can be a route to employment, or a chance to try something new which may lead to a career change. From this perspective, volunteering can be a way of:
• Gaining new skills, knowledge and experience or developing existing ones
• Enhancing your CV & improving employment prospects
• Gaining an accreditation: health and food hygiene certification, till and barista training
We also have many people who volunteer their professional skills from Human Resources,
to Marketing, IT and Tax and Financial Accounting.
Social interaction and meeting new people
For others, volunteering appeals because of its social benefits. These include:
• Meeting new people and making new friends
• A chance to socialise
• Getting to know the local community, maybe you are new to the area?
Improved health and wellbeing
Many people who volunteer say that helping others gives them a good feeling inside. Research suggests this is something called a “helpers high,” or a distinct physical sensation associated with helping that makes us experience greater energy and strength, which can decrease negative feelings and increase feelings of self-worth. It also changes the routine environment and you know what they say… ‘a change is as good as a rest’!
Why our volunteers say you should give a go…
“We have fantastic paid staff at the Hub who do a wonderful job, but it needs its volunteers too. It’s fun, it’s local, it’s yours & it needs your support.”, Viv
“The satisfaction and pride you get from receiving great feedback from customers who enjoy their experience at the Hub and recognise your contribution is priceless.”, Jean
“Come along and meet the friendly team. I think volunteers gain as much as they give”, Mandy
So why not give it a go? drop in or email centremanager@melbournhub.co.uk or call 01763 263303 today!
