Food enthusiasts
At Branches we want the people we support to become more able and independent in their journey out into the real world. That’s why we need you!
You may already be working in catering, or you just have a passion for cooking! Can you transfer that love of food to others whose skills range from not knowing how to boil an egg to those who want to learn how to prepare and cook nutritious food? We are looking for a range of volunteers who could help service users plan (budget on a low income) and cook nutritious meals; or who could come in and prepare and cook food for the people we support whether that’s breakfast or evening meals.
Sports or fitness enthusiasts
You may be a coach, instructor, in your last year of a sports science degree, or just great in a particular sport and want to share your passion for sport with others. We have a small on-site site gym and also have access to free swimming at a local fitness centre. Many of the people we support may want to try a sport, have a go in the gym, try yoga or other discipline if they had someone to show them how. Could this be you?
Confidence building
Are you a life coach, mentor, consultant, or an actor? We are looking for volunteers who could commit to giving time to help service users regain their self-confidence.
Mentors
Have you been homeless, or had substance or alcohol use support needs? If you have, you know what our service users are going through. If you have mentored, or are interested to start, we would love to hear from you.
Green fingers!
We have a garden that residents have nurtured. Fortunately, those residents have moved on, and we now need help to keep the garden growing and blossoming! Can you help?
Music and dance
Are you a musician, or do you know how to Samba?! Some of our service users have a keen interest in music, which we’d like to help support them develop. Their tastes vary from hip-hop to pop, to jazz and soul. Some aspire to be involved in the music industry. Can you foster and help keep alive that enthusiasm?
Preparing for work
Are you in HR, do you do a lot of interviewing, or could you help others put together a great CV? Many of our service users face looking for work for the first time in many years. This is a daunting experience for them. We’d love to hear from you if you could share your knowledge and skills in these areas and help service users in their steps towards employment.
Fixers
Are you good with your hands? Do you like fixing things or getting them to work? You may be a bike enthusiast, a mechanic, a plumber, an electrician or have another skilled trade. If you want to share your skills and knowledge in these areas, please contact us.
Literacy
Many of our service users struggle with literacy. Are you a book lover, an English teacher or a literacy tutor? Could you help people develop their reading and writing skills? Could you enthuse others to develop a love of reading and the written word?
Arts and crafts
Are you a seamstress, a tailor, a quilt maker or have another arts and crafts skill that you could share?
If you would like to find out more, please get in touch, or email volunteering@wfcbranches.org.uk directly.
We have provided an application form for volunteering below.
It would be great to hear from you!
We asked our volunteers, “What has been your favourite thing about volunteering with Branches?”
The creativity and imaginations of the residents.
Working with a great bunch of people to do something to help others.
Meeting the residents and getting complimented on the curry I made.