Newcastle Community Pantry: Membership Support & Assessment Assistant

🏘 ️ About Us

Newcastle Community Pantry was established by Newcastle Foodbank in April 2023 to provide low-income households with access to affordable food and essential household items. Our mission is to offer practical support in a welcoming, community-focused environment that promotes dignity, choice, and connection.

We currently operate three pop-up pantry locations across the city:

• Tree Top Village, Walker– Mondays, 11:30am to 1:30pm
• Blakelaw Community Centre– Tuesdays, 10:00am to 12:00 noon
• NUCASTLE Foundation Building– Thursdays, 12:00 noon to 1:30pm

Each pantry helps residents move beyond crisis and build long-term resilience. We’re expanding our team and looking for friendly, people-focused volunteers who are passionate about making a difference in their community. If you enjoy connecting with others and want to contribute to meaningful change, we’d love to hear from you.

🙋 ‍♀️ About the Role

We’re seeking warm, approachable, and detail-oriented individuals to support membership enquiries and assist with the early stages of financial assessments. No prior experience is needed—full training will be provided, and our supportive team will be with you every step of the way.

The most important skill you’ll bring to the role is the ability to connect with people: listening with empathy, building trust, and helping members feel genuinely supported.

We’re more than just a food provider—our goal is to help individuals address financial and housing challenges before they reach crisis point, offering wraparound support that makes a lasting impact.

📋 What Will the Work Involve?

You’ll help deliver a welcoming and effective service across our pantry locations. Key responsibilities include:

• Assisting members and potential members with completing application forms
• Entering member details into our secure online database
• Conducting initial income and expenditure conversations to understand financial circumstances
• Using professional curiosity to explore deeper challenges and identify support needs
• Making referrals or booking appointments with our specialist welfare advisers
• Contacting individuals when pantry spaces become available
• Following up with members who haven’t attended sessions
• Adhering to data protection, confidentiality, and equal opportunities policies

This newly created role is designed to ensure that Newcastle Community Pantry meets the needs of both current and prospective members. It also plays a vital part in helping us proactively identify opportunities to maximise income, reduce essential outgoings, and address broader challenges such as housing instability or safeguarding concerns.

🚫 What You Won’t Be Asked to Do

You won’t be expected to complete benefit applications, manage appeals, or offer financial advice, as this includes regulated activity. All specialist advice and support is handled by our dedicated welfare team, ensuring members receive expert support when they need it.

🎁 What We Offer

Although this is a voluntary role, it offers a meaningful opportunity to gain hands-on experience, build valuable skills, and contribute to the work of a well-respected local charity making a real impact in the community. You’ll receive a comprehensive training programme and ongoing support to help you thrive in the role.