Volunteers are the driving force behind foodbanks. There are thousands of volunteers across the UK, helping The Trussell Trust Foodbank Network get emergency food to people in crisis. We want you to enjoy volunteering and there are lots of ways to get involved. Whatever role you choose, you will make a real difference to the life of someone in crisis.

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If you are interested in volunteering, here’s what to do next:

Step one: See below for our volunteering opportunities, this is where help is needed most.

Step two: It’s great if you can visit the project to get more of an idea about what is involved. Get in contact with us (0191 3037559) to arrange a visit.

Step three:  We will send you our application form and arrange training.

 

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If you can’t commit to a regular volunteering role (we know life gets busy!) there are extra one-off volunteering opportunities around throughout the year, so keep and eye out for these on our social media pages

We have been really pleased to welcome staff teams from local business and organisations for volunteering days at our foodstore in Chester le Street.  If your business would like to volunteer with us please get in touch.

 

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Current Volunteer Opportunities

 

Helping at a Foodbank distribution centre

Meet clients and give out food parcels. Have an informal chat with clients over a cup of tea, to discuss their situation and signpost to further support.

We are looking for people to help distribute food to people who are in crisis situations. Distribution volunteers meet and listen to people who come to the foodbank with a voucher to get food. If possible we point people to relevant agencies or sources of support, aid or advice. Some volunteers do more of the “front of house” role; chatting to foodbank users and serving hot drinks. Other volunteers do more of the “behind the scenes” tasks, packing the bags and keeping the stock of food organised.

We are looking for volunteers who:
– enjoy chatting to people from all walks of life, making them feel welcome
– can use a computer (but this is not essential)
– don’t mind completing a bit of admin so we have accurate records
– can pack up bags of food, and some who don’t mind lifting

Volunteer van drivers

Our volunteer van drivers are a crucial cog in the foodbank machine! Driving the foodbank’s own van, they deliver food to our food distribution points around the County and keep the foodbank going! They also pick up collections of food from our supporters such as schools and offices.

Times and locations
Mostly during Monday – Friday, between the hours of 9am and 5pm. The van is collected by volunteers from our foodstore in Chester le Street. Exact times are agreed between volunteers and the Food Supply Manager to suit needs and availability.

Volunteers will need to
– Be over 25
– Have a full, clean UK Driving License
– Follow the procedures and record keeping requirements for van use
– Be able to lift and carry (manual handling training will be provided)

Foodstore volunteer

We need help to weigh, sort and store donated food before it’s made into parcels for clients to collect. You could help in this vital work to ensure we have the right food available at all times.

If you are interested in volunteering please get in touch, we’d love to hear from you!

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