Help change lives by volunteering your time, skills and enthusiasm at Coniston Community Centre.
Coniston Community Centre supports people of all ages across Patchway and beyond.
From children and families to older people, we help local residents to access support, physical and creative activities, learning new skills, and connect with others.
Volunteers are at the heart of this work. You can support our community café, activities and services, or join our Board of Trustees.
Volunteering is a great way to build your skills in communication, organisation, customer service and community engagement. You can also use your existing skills and experience to make a lasting difference in our community.
Whatever your background or experience, there is a place for you on our team.
Coniston Connect Volunteer
Location: Coniston Community Centre
Time Commitment: Flexible hours (Tuesday / Thursday morning)
What is Coniston Connect:
Coniston Connect is a welcoming social group for older people in Patchway.
We arrange a door-to-door minibus service, to support a safe and comfortable arrival at Coniston Community Centre. The residents take part in gentle exercise. They enjoy playing board games or doing their creative activities together, followed by a home-cooked two-course lunch with all the trimmings. They spend time with others in a friendly and supportive environment.
Coniston Connect reduces loneliness and isolation, supports wellbeing, and helps older people to stay active, connected and engaged in their community.
About the Role
You will support bringing older people together in a welcoming community setting. Whether you are serving a home-cooked lunch, facilitating the activities or simply having a cozy chat, you will help the smooth running of each visit, so it is enjoyable and useful.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Welcome and help older people to feel comfortable and included.
- Support the group activities.
- Encourage conversation and social interaction.
- Assist with setting up and clearing away activity spaces.
- Help serve refreshments and a two-course lunch
- Support those who may need a little extra assistance.
- Report any concerns to the Coniston Connect Coordinator / Manager.
- Follow safeguarding, health and safety, and confidentiality procedures.
Community Café Volunteer
Location: Coniston Community Centre
Responsible to: Café Manager
Time Commitment: Flexible shifts available (Monday-Friday 10am-2pm)
About the Role
We rely on volunteers to support the day-to-day running of our community café. Whether you are preparing and serving refreshments, welcoming customers, clearing tables or helping us maintain our five-star food hygiene standards, every role makes a difference. There is a variety of tasks to suit different interests, abilities and experience levels. Volunteering with us is a great way to build confidence, learn new skills and be part of a friendly community team.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Welcome and assist customers
- Prepare and serve hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light refreshments.
- Handle money transactions and operate the till (training provided).
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.
- Wash up and keep kitchen and serving areas tidy.
- Replenish stock and report low supplies to the Café Manager.
- Help set up and clear tables before and after service.
- Support community events and special activities.
- Follow food hygiene, health and safety, and safeguarding procedures.
Community Larder Volunteer Collector
Location: Local supermarket and Coniston Community Centre
Time Commitment: Flexible weekday mornings (Monday–Thursday)
What is the Community Larder:
Our Community Larder has free and low-cost food for local people and families who are struggling with the rising cost of food or experiencing food insecurity.
Based in the café at Coniston Community Centre, we offer fresh produce from FareShare, donated store cupboard essentials and ready-cooked meals for just £1.50.
No referral is needed, as people can simply drop in and take what they need. The Larder is open Monday to Friday, 9am–2pm, and sometimes until 4pm or 5pm.
About the Role
You will help us collect surplus food from a local supermarket and bring it back to Coniston Community Centre. The supermarket is part of the FareShare scheme, helping us save good food from going to waste and make it available to people who need it.
Your time will help keep our Community Larder stocked, which will make a real difference to local people and families facing food insecurity.
Main Duties and Responsibilities.
- Collect surplus food from a local supermarket.
- Transport the food safely to Coniston Community Centre.
- Help unload and organise the food when you return.
- Follow food safety, manual handling, and health and safety guidelines.
- Let the Community Larder team know about any issues or concerns.
What You Will Need
- Access to a car.
- A valid driving licence and appropriate insurance.
- Availability on a weekday morning, Monday to Thursday.
- A friendly and reliable approach.
A free packed lunch is provided.
