We are looking for a volunteer cook to help support our evening respite groups for young carers. Our groups only meet during term time. The role will involve preparation of a basic but nutritious meal for an expected maximum of 20 children, in discussion with the session leader and within a set budget, as well as appropriate washing/cleaning up afterwards, which other session staff/volunteers will generally help with. We have a long-term aim of promoting healthy eating and expanding the range of tastes our young people experience. We have access to our venues from 16:30 and generally aim to eat at 18:00, giving 1 1/2hrs preparation and cooking time, and then are expected to vacate the venue by 19:15. Both venues have large 6 ring range style hobs and ovens available.
Safe food preparation and cooking, with an ability to work to an agreed menu, budget and meal timings in discussion with the session leader. To leave venue facilities clean and tidy.
We will provide Food hygiene training to level 2 and Basic First Aid for volunteers that don’t already have it, as well as regular renewals. As this role does involve contact with children and young people it will also require an Enhanced DBS check and completion of Safeguarding training, both of which we will provide.
Start Date: 28/05/2026
End Date: 27/05/2027
| Slot | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Afternoon | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Evening | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
There are opportunities at both our venues, St. Michael’s church, Rayleigh, which meets on Mondays one week and Tuesdays the next, and Waterman School, Rochford, on alternating Mondays. The venue will be available to start food preparation from 16:30 and we are expected to have cleared the venue by 19:15. We only expect each volunteer to cover one of these three sessions each fortnight, although we would welcome anyone willing to cover more than one.
Essex Dementia Care
The Flex Youth and Community Group CIC
Essex County Scout Council
Family Action FOOD Club
Cast A Thought
Supporting Carers and Families Together (SCAFT)