Cook and Task Volunteer Role Description

Mind in Croydon is a voluntary organisation which is concerned with the welfare of people with mental health problems, living in the London Borough of Croydon.

Role title: Cook and Taste Volunteer

Hours: 4 hours per week

Responsible to: Active Minds Team, Mind in Croydon

Based: Fairfield house, East Croydon

Physical and mental wellbeing are intertwined, a healthy mind needs a healthy body and a healthy body needs a healthy mind. Active minds service is run by Mind in Croydon to support people with experience of mental health problems to get involved in healthy activities and look after their physical and mental health. Support around healthy eating is increasingly becoming an important part of the service.

Key Objective of the Cook and Task Volunteer

To support people who have experienced mental health problems learn about healthy eating while cooking and tasty recipes.

DUTIES & MAIN FUNCTION

  • To provide support to clients via intervention programmes, either during drop in group or 1:1 appointments
  • To provide advice on healthy eating via telephone
  • All Volunteers are required to adhere to service protocols and guidance
  • All Volunteers are required to maintain client confidentiality in all matters
  • To assist with and organise promotional events as required

Computer/Administration

• Accurate uploading of client data onto database whilst ensuring client confidentiality

• Keep accurate records of support given

• Competent use of Microsoft Office packages including Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook

Volunteering Conditions/Environment

• You will provide support to service users based at Orchard House located in South Croydon, though you may also be required to travel to other sites around Croydon to provide support and advice. All volunteers must hold a current DBS certificate

Personal Skills and Qualities

Role title: Cook and Taste Volunteer

Responsible to: Active Minds Team, Mind in Croydon

Education and Training Essential

  1. Understanding of healthy and nutritional eating
  2. Understating of safe use of kitchen equipment
  3. Or willingness to take part in training

 Skills and Knowledge

  1. Understanding of essential nutrients and food groups
  2. Understanding of harmful effects of poor diet
  3. Proficiency in e-mail, use of Microsoft office including word, and excel
  4. Good oral and written communication skills
  5. Ability to support promotional events
  6. Good understanding of confidentiality and boundaries

Experience

  1. Experience of working with the public
  2. Experience of mental health, e.g. personal, family or friends or professionally
  3. Experience of working in an environment that provides help, support, and/or counselling
  4. Experience of working in a multi-cultural setting

Personal Qualities

  1. Flexible and adaptable
  2. Self-motivated, committed and conscientious
  3. Good interpersonal skills
  4. Ability to travel easily around Croydon
  5. Good empathy and understanding of the needs of vulnerable adults/those with disabilities