Volunteering - Rotherham Rise

Are you looking for an opportunity to give back to a local charity and the community?
Do you have a few hours a week to help us with an exciting project?
Do you have existing skills to bring to a café environment or community activity groups?

Rotherham Rise’s Community Café is a hub where you can feel welcome, make new friends, and learn new skills through various group activities. The cafe is also there to support the charity and its vital work in reducing social isolation and improving the wellbeing of those affected by domestic abuse (DA) and child sexual exploitation (CSE). Volunteers are vital to the running of our community café.

Why we want you

We are looking for exceptional people over 16 years of age who can help the food, drinks, and various activities and events run smoothly, keep the environment relaxing and clean, and, most importantly, provide a friendly face and ensure everyone is welcomed. To learn more about the various Volunteering Roles – click here for the Role Description.

Whether you have a passion, hobby, or skill that you’d like to share, or you just love making people smile, we need you! If you can bring your ideas, skills, and personality to help us enrich our community cafe, we will help you build on your skills and confidence and give you induction training. Does this sound like you? We’d love to hear from you!

What’s in it for you

You will learn new skills and gain experience in community work and/or hospitality.
Your induction will be thorough, clear, and supportive. In addition to the practical training you will need for the role of your choice, we offer DA and CSE awareness training so that volunteers can better understand our work.
Friendly team and mentors who will stay in touch with you regularly beyond your induction to ensure your experience with us is positive.
We will also be on hand to support any volunteer who wants to develop their ideas for new groups, activities or opportunities.
Our diverse activities are designed to be fun, engaging, and to support the wellbeing of cafe visitors.
Most importantly, our volunteers get a lot of satisfaction and a sense of purpose from knowing they are making a real difference to people in their community.

volunteer role description [PDF]

Volunteering FAQs (frequently asked questions)

When during the week are volunteers needed?

Most of our activities are during the week, so we need volunteers who have time between 9am – 5pm; sometimes, this might also involve Saturdays.

How much time do I need to commit?

We like our volunteers to offer a minimum of 2 hours per week, however, we will discuss this with you to see what would work best for you and for the role that you are interested in.

How old must I be to volunteer for the Community Cafe?

We are looking for volunteers who are 16 years and older.

Do I need any experience or qualifications?

No! Our volunteers come from various backgrounds, and each brings something valuable to the project.

Can I get help with expenses?

Yes! We have funding for travel expenses, and in some cases, food and drinks. Your mentors will talk you through how to claim this.

Is this opportunity accessible?

We would like our opportunities to be suitable for as many people as possible. If you have access requirements or additional support needs, when you apply, we will discuss how we can help you get involved. If you need help applying, please feel free to contact us. Tel: 03302020571, or email [email protected]

Will volunteering affect my benefits claim?

Most people can volunteer without this affecting their benefits claim. However, we suggest you let your benefits advisor know before you start volunteering with us. You can also contact the Citizens Advice Bureau for guidance.

I’m a parent/carer – can I volunteer?

We understand that volunteers have responsibilities outside of their time with us. Whether you need to give your time more flexibly, start or finish early, or something else – when you apply we will discuss how we can support you to get involved.

How do I apply and when can I start?

Click here to express your interest. Once we receive it, we will contact you regarding the next steps. If successful, we will invite you in for an informal interview and a chat about our opportunities. If we have a suitable role for you, we will start to fill out the required paperwork. As part of this process, we request that you provide us with 2 references and consent to a DBS check. Before you start volunteering, you will need to attend a volunteer training session.
Each volunteer is different; however, you may be able to start within just a few weeks.

I have a criminal record – can I still volunteer?

A criminal record isn’t necessarily a barrier to volunteering with us. When you apply we will ask you to disclose any unspent criminal convictions. We will review this and we will discuss this disclosure with you. All of our volunteers consent to a DBS check – this is a police check.

Volunteer Feedback

“I am very grateful for the time spent at Hygge and for having the opportunity to be surrounded by so much goodness through volunteering” – J.
“Volunteering gives me a routine and helps me socialise in a comfortable place. I think my people skills help, I think that I’m open and try and be honest and I try to treat everyone no matter what with the same level of respect” – L.
“I have felt happy and comfortable volunteering at Rise events. It has given me confidence to meet new people. I have made some new friends and enjoy chatting to them regularly” – J.