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Coffee and chat volunteer

Dunstable Town Council

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Volunteer Role: Coffee and Chat Host

About the Role:
Dunstable Town Council runs free Coffee mornings throughout 2026 to provide a social opportunity for residents aged over 55. As a volunteer, you will be the friendly face of these sessions. Many of our members are vulnerable, live alone or are just seeking something socially, so your primary goal is to create a safe, inclusive, and welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable to pull up a chair.

What You Will Be Doing:

The Welcome: Greet attendees at the door and help them settle in, especially those attending for the first time.

Social Connection: Move between tables to spark conversation, introduce members to one another, and ensure no one is left out.

Session Support: Assist with serving tea, coffee, and biscuits, and help the team host visiting organisations that provide advice and guidance to the group.

Venue Setup: Help with light tasks to ensure the community space is tidy and welcoming.

Who We Are Looking For:
People who are patient, empathetic, and great listeners. Because our members are vulnerable, we require volunteers who can work reliably and independently within a busy social environment.

Advice, Information & Support,Befriending, Buddying & Mentoring,Community Work,General & Helping

Cleaning & Tidying, Managing People, Organising & Planning

Social Skills: Ability to start conversations and make people feel included. Empathy: Patient and friendly with vulnerable older adults. Adaptability: Comfortable helping at different local venues. Reliability: Essential for members who rely on these social sessions. Independence: Able to follow a basic briefing and support the session without 1-on-1 supervision. No formal experience is required, just a warm heart!

1. Be a "Community Connector" Because these sessions host different organisations offering advice and guidance, you will be at the forefront of local information. You’ll learn about various support services in Dunstable, making you a more informed and connected local resident. 2. Variety and New Environments Unlike a single-location role, these afternoons take place at different venues throughout 2026. This keeps the role fresh and interesting, as you’ll get to know different community spaces and a wider rotation of residents across the town. 3. Support Vulnerable Residents Directly Many attendees come specifically for the free social contact and advice. You will get the immediate satisfaction of knowing you are providing a safe space for someone who might otherwise stay at home alone. Your presence directly helps reduce the barrier to entry for nervous or vulnerable members. 4. Personal Growth & Wellbeing Confidence Building: If you are looking to get back into a professional or social routine, hosting these events is a perfect, low-pressure way to build your public-facing confidence. The "Feel-Good" Factor: Helping others is a proven way to improve your own mental health and reduce stress. Active Lifestyle: Visiting different venues and being on your feet keeps you physically active and engaged. 5. Build Your CV or Portfolio If you are a student or looking for work, this role demonstrates: Adaptability: Showing you can work across different locations and settings. Safeguarding Awareness: Experience working with vulnerable adults. Event Hosting: Coordinating social logistics and hospitality. 6. Social Perks You’ll be part of a friendly team from Dunstable Town Council, enjoy a tea/coffee and while you work, and meet some of the most interesting characters

Up to 10 or 12 times a year normally on a Tuesday morning 10 am to 12 noon

Further location details may be provided below.

Jack Adams-Rimmer

76 High Street North Grove House Dunstable

LU6 1NF

4

01582 891434 or communities@dunstable.gov.uk

Volunteer Centre  Application Process

Volunteer Centre  Support you will receive

Access & Support: Our Coffee Afternoons take place at various community venues across Dunstable. While we aim for fully accessible sites, some historic or smaller venues may have limited disabled access (e.g., steps or narrow doorways). How we support volunteers: Site Matching: We provide volunteers with a full schedule in advance, highlighting the access levels of each venue so they can choose shifts at sites that meet their physical requirements. Role Adjustment Advance Briefings: We ensure all volunteers are aware of the facilities (toilets, parking, etc.) at each specific location before they commit

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Volunteer Centre  Suitable For

18 and over

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Volunteer Centre  Other Roles for this organisation

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