Volunteer Hub
Volunteer Van Driver
Organisation Details
Caritas Diocese of Salford
Activity type: Asylum Seekers and Refugees, Caring, Catering, Community Work, Fundraising, Homeless and Housing
Stellify Award: This opportunity is part of 'Make a Difference'
Organisation Description: Caritas is the social action agency of the Diocese of Salford covering Grt Mcr and Lancs. We work with those experiencing poverty, disadvantage, homelessness, social isolation and those seeking asylum or refugee status. We provide practical support, deliver services and advocate for those who are vulnerable and marginalised.
We are currently involved in delivering housing, information support and guidance and educational support to asylum seekers and refugees within Manchester.
Cornerstone Day Centre, which is one of our projects situated only 10 minutes away from Manchester University, currently runs English and mathematic classes to over 70+ asylum seekers and refugees who attend in order to improve their skills and gain qualifications needed to achieve their goals and aspirations.
We are currently involved in delivering housing, information support and guidance and educational support to asylum seekers and refugees within Manchester.
Cornerstone Day Centre, which is one of our projects situated only 10 minutes away from Manchester University, currently runs English and mathematic classes to over 70+ asylum seekers and refugees who attend in order to improve their skills and gain qualifications needed to achieve their goals and aspirations.
Description of role: Why do we want you
As a volunteer member of our team, you will play a crucial role in connecting Caritas Salford with individuals and businesses who support our work by donating food or other items to us, as well as to those in need of essential support. Collecting donations on a regular basis and delivering them to various locations such as Caritas services, other charities, and places in need, you will not only support by driving our van but also represent our organisation and interact with donors and supporters while working alongside other volunteers to load and unload the van for deliveries and collections.
What you will be doing
Regularly collecting donated food and goods. Specifically, you will be responsible for early pick-up from Costco, which provides food for one of our services, Cornerstone. Additionally, you will be responsible for weekly pickups from supermarkets around Manchester.
Checking our vehicles before and after use to ensure they are safe and clean to use, refuelling the van, and reporting any issues or faults, recording mileage.
Assist in keeping records of where donations have been received from and delivered to which may include access to personal data.
Reporting any incidents, accidents, or near incidents to the appropriate person.
Safeguarding people and supporting them with discretion is central to our work.
You will need to understand our policies to keep people safe and undertake some training as part of the role.
The skills you need
This role would be ideal for an individual who is outgoing, friendly, and able to communicate effectively with a diverse range of individuals, aligning with the values of Caritas
Must possess a standard driving license and clean driving record.
Should be comfortable driving a medium-sized van (preferably with two years of driving experience)
Should have good map-reading skills and proficiency in using a Sat Nav system
Able to handle physical tasks, including lifting and loading
Adaptable as routes and drop-off points may vary due to unpredictable surplus management.
What's in it for you
The opportunity to gain valuable transportation experience and learn new skills
The satisfaction of knowing that you are making a positive impact on the lives of those in need in your community
A chance to meet new people and be a part of a supportive team
Opportunities for training and development
As a volunteer member of our team, you will play a crucial role in connecting Caritas Salford with individuals and businesses who support our work by donating food or other items to us, as well as to those in need of essential support. Collecting donations on a regular basis and delivering them to various locations such as Caritas services, other charities, and places in need, you will not only support by driving our van but also represent our organisation and interact with donors and supporters while working alongside other volunteers to load and unload the van for deliveries and collections.
What you will be doing
Regularly collecting donated food and goods. Specifically, you will be responsible for early pick-up from Costco, which provides food for one of our services, Cornerstone. Additionally, you will be responsible for weekly pickups from supermarkets around Manchester.
Checking our vehicles before and after use to ensure they are safe and clean to use, refuelling the van, and reporting any issues or faults, recording mileage.
Assist in keeping records of where donations have been received from and delivered to which may include access to personal data.
Reporting any incidents, accidents, or near incidents to the appropriate person.
Safeguarding people and supporting them with discretion is central to our work.
You will need to understand our policies to keep people safe and undertake some training as part of the role.
The skills you need
This role would be ideal for an individual who is outgoing, friendly, and able to communicate effectively with a diverse range of individuals, aligning with the values of Caritas
Must possess a standard driving license and clean driving record.
Should be comfortable driving a medium-sized van (preferably with two years of driving experience)
Should have good map-reading skills and proficiency in using a Sat Nav system
Able to handle physical tasks, including lifting and loading
Adaptable as routes and drop-off points may vary due to unpredictable surplus management.
What's in it for you
The opportunity to gain valuable transportation experience and learn new skills
The satisfaction of knowing that you are making a positive impact on the lives of those in need in your community
A chance to meet new people and be a part of a supportive team
Opportunities for training and development
Skills / qualities associated with the role: Fundraising, Oral Communication Skills, Practical Skills
Are volunteer expenses available?: Yes
Duration of role: Ongoing / Long term
Opportunity times: Monday AM, Wednesday AM, Friday AM
DBS required: On
Can reasonable adjustments be made regarding additional needs?: Yes
Is this organisation part of the Sports Volunteering Scheme (SVS)?: No
Minimum hours commitment: 5
Location:
Caritas Diocese of Salford, Cathedral Centre, 3 Ford Street
Salford
M3 6DP