Kitchen challenge for the right people This year is a very special time for one of the North East’s most endearing charities but it could also be a life-changing year for someone with the right skills and qualities to make a massive difference to the lives of others.
The People’s Kitchen is celebrating 30 years of providing a unique service for the homeless and vulnerable people of Newcastle. Already this year, their rambling club, (made up of friends and volunteers) have walked 26 miles in two stages around Kielder Water and a new allotment has been opened in Tweed Street that will supply fresh food for the Kitchen. Add to this the annual Christmas Party, Harvest Festival events and a celebration event at Alnwick Garden in November it looks set to be a busy year for the Kitchen and that’s before a single meal has been served.
Around 200 volunteers already contribute to providing a high quality and relevant service for those people referred to affectionately and simply as “friends” with a focus on friendship, the distribution of food and helping to achieve positive outcomes for those less fortunate than those living around the city.
Practical help is also on offer to the friends such as providing basic essentials like clothing, showers and events and more than 1,100 sources donate money and food every year. Every donation, large or small matters and is put to good use. Donations can come from large corporates, schools, churches or individuals and each helps to improve the quality of life for those in need.
Helping to run the day-to-day logistics of such a busy charity calls for special skills and the Kitchen is now looking for volunteers whose life and business skills can help take the charity forward towards another 30 years.
Chairman, Bob Eldridge is encouraging people to apply, especially those who may have recently retired or found that they need a new challenge in life to help them keep active and occupied.
“We all like to think that we’ve done something positive for others during our lives but volunteering for a role within The People’s Kitchen gives you a real challenge and the knowledge that you really have helped change someone’s life for the better.”
Currently there are vacancies at The People’s Kitchen for cleaners, bid writers, admin support, events assistants, property manager, training assistant and a charity manager.
“The charity manager role is our most ambitious front line volunteering role to date, “said Mr Eldridge.
“It’s a very important management role that will lead and help operate the charity on a daily basis ensuring that we deliver our range of services efficiently including; warehousing, outreach and centre based duties. The person will also need to be a good communicator liaising with our external suppliers and partners to create local partnerships. It’s also about on-going learning and improvement, so we can provide even better services in future.
“We’d anticipate that the successful candidate would perhaps be recently retired or someone looking for a change of direction who is up for a challenge. They will need to be a highly influential, motivational and innovative individual who can provide expert advice, management and direction to lead the charity through the next three years, at a time of exciting organisational change.
“It’s a massive role and we are looking for a commitment of around 18 hours per week. I appreciate it’s asking a lot but I know there are a lot of good people out there who have even more to give.
“It’s a role that will shape our operations and give tangible benefits to our friends. It’s not everyday that you can give back to society something as precious as this.”
Anyone who is interested in volunteering can see the latest vacancies at http://www.peopleskitchen.co.uk/current-roles/
End Photo shows Bob Eldridge
PR & Media Keith@highlightspr.co.uk 07814 397951