Foodbank Assistant
Foodbank Centre Assistant
This role involves providing direct support to people who use our foodbank; packing their food parcels and making them feel comfortable.
Key tasks
- Prepare food parcels for collection adding extra items as instructed.
- Tidy up as required during the session.
- Offer a listening ear and signpost clients, as required, to further support, using the Pathways team
- Work under the guidance of the session leader and report any health & safety or safeguarding concerns to the project manager/session supervisor
About you
- Strong team player
- Excellent communication skills
- Empathetic
- Has an eye for detail
- Organised and self-motivated
- Physically fit enough to lift heavy shopping bags
Benefits of volunteering
- Using your existing skills to make a difference
- Meet new people who share your passion to eradicate poverty in the community
- Make a real difference to the running of our foodbank
Impact of your role
- Helping to ensure a dignified experience to anyone visiting the foodbank
- Signposting people for further support which can help lift them from poverty
Newcastle Community Pantry: Membership Support & Assessment Assistant
š ļø 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, Walkerā Mondays, 11:30am to 1:30pm
- Blakelaw Community Centreā Tuesdays, 10:00am to 12:00 noon
- NUCASTLE Foundation Buildingā Thursdays, 12:00 noon to 1:30pm
Each pantry helps residents move beyond crisis and build long-term resilience. Weāre 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, weād love to hear from you.
š āāļø About the Role
Weāre seeking warm, approachable, and detail-oriented individuals to support membership enquiries and assist with the early stages of financial assessments. No prior experience is neededāfull training will be provided, and our supportive team will be with you every step of the way.
The most important skill youāll bring to the role is the ability to connect with people: listening with empathy, building trust, and helping members feel genuinely supported.
Weāre more than just a food providerāour goal is to help individuals address financial and housing challenges before they reach crisis point, offering wraparound support that makes a lasting impact.
š What Will the Work Involve?
Youāll 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 havenāt 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.
š« What You Wonāt Be Asked to Do
You wonāt 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.
š 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. Youāll receive a comprehensive training programme and ongoing support to help you thrive in the role.