Community Hub Volunteers by Worthing Station

There are a variety of opportunities available including volunteer listeners, so anyone visiting our cafe is not left alone unless they prefer that.

We need people to make teas and coffees, stack the shelves, sort out the uniforms and keep the stockroom organised. Help members with their shopping. Designing posters, input data and helping with fundraising ideas and offering to run free activities and advice services.

Our Community Hub is open during the week but closed at weekends. The opening hours are:

• Monday 10 am - 12.30pm
• Tuesday 10am - 1.30pm
• Wednesday 10am- 12.30pm
• Thursday 10am - 2.30pm
• Friday 10am - 12.30pm

 We are always looking for additional volunteers who can help on a shift. (The number of hours the volunteer can commit to for a shift is flexible and can be less or more than 2.5 hours).

Shifts do not have to be on fixed days or fixed hours as we are very flexible and work around the needs of the individual. They can also be shorter or longer if preferred.  

Benefits

• Our volunteers report that they enjoy coming to the Hub, they love the atmosphere and being able to help. A few, after having a break from work, have gained confidence from helping out in the Hub, and now feel able to apply for paid employment in a related field.
• The social aspect of the free cafe has been a particular favourite. Those who help with the Food Pantry, and are interested to learn new skills, are taught how to take donations using card readers and Apple Pay. Some learn to input data on a spreadsheet.
• Many volunteers have made new friends and participate in activities outside the Hub. We also run a few social events.

Practical Considerations

• We support all volunteers but as we are all volunteers ourselves, we cannot take responsibility for anyone needing another adult to be present on shifts with them. Each shift has at least two volunteers and we aim for at least three volunteers in the morning shifts.
  
• Our Community Hub is at 32 South Farm Rd, BN14 7AE, which is a few shops north of Worthing station. Several trains and bus routes stop at the station. There is parking for 3 cars on the forecourt and parking nearby.
• Volunteer shifts are very flexible and days and times can be changed at any time due to school holidays, sickness or other commitments.
• We have a volunteer coordinator and a WhatsApp group to help with rotas and ensure flexibility. Those without WhatsApp can use text or phone.

Support Disabled

We have a ramp for wheelchair users. We are very supportive to those with mental health support needs including anxiety, depression and other more serious mental health illnesses. Our only proviso is that they must be fully autonomous and responsible for their own needs. It can be quite loud in the café at times so those who are unhappy with loud noises may prefer afternoons when it is quieter.

What skills do I need?

The only skill we are looking for is a willingness to help in whatever way a volunteer feels comfortable.