New Volunteering Opportunities for March 2025
Community Café Volunteers
A new community café/coffee stop will be trialled in Chieveley between May and July this year, and if successful, will become permanent. Could you join them as a volunteer?
The role would suit someone who likes talking to people and being part of a happy team. Volunteers will serve drinks and snacks and operate a coffee machine – all training will be provided. The role is available on Wednesday, Friday or Saturday, with shifts from 8:30-11:30am or 11:00am-1:30pm.
Ref V373
Neighbourhood Watch Coordinators
Neighbourhood Watch is about being alert for any crime or suspicious activity. It is helping the Police to reduce crime, promoting neighbourliness and looking out for each other to make the community a safer place to live. Volunteers are required in West Berkshire to become scheme coordinators.
A scheme can be anything from 5 properties upwards and the main role of a Coordinator is to circulate the alerts on crimes and scams to your neighbours either via email or posting on a WhatsApp or Facebook Group for your area. You will receive free signs, stickers, leaflets and discounts for your neighbours.
Ref V319
Youth Club Volunteers
Can you sit down and natter with a group of children about whatever interests them? Can you offer a skill they might like to learn? Perhaps you are sporty, creative or like games…
A project in Lambourn needs volunteers for their Youth Club on Mondays from 6:30 to 8:00pm. They have upwards of 50 young people attending, aged 9-14. Help is needed to set up and close sessions, welcome the young people, run the tuckshop, supervise activities (such as pool, table football, games, crafts, sports and projects) or assist with planning, fundraising and governance. The Youth Club would like a regular commitment of a minimum of two sessions a month so that relationships and continuity can be formed.
Ref V226
School Governors
A Thatcham primary school and nursery is looking for new governors to join its committed and experienced board. Governors work closely with the headteacher and other staff to set the strategic direction of the school, and monitor the educational and financial performance.
This is a chance to grow both personally and professionally, and make a real impact. Time commitment is a few hours a month for meetings and conversations with staff. They are ideally looking for people with ICT, finance or HR backgrounds but an interest in education and leadership are more important than specific experience.
Ref V303
Collection Box Volunteer
Do you enjoy getting out and about, exploring local areas and meeting new people? The Berkshire branch of an animal charity is looking for volunteers to help manage the donation pots they place in local shops, cafés, businesses and community spaces.
The role involves travelling around locally to exchange full collection pots for empty ones, placing pots in new locations and developing relationships with the businesses who host them. The role is ad hoc and very flexible, and would suit a kind, friendly individual with a good sense of humour.
Ref V371
Conservation Volunteers
Join a group of conservation volunteers helping out in a wildflower meadow near Lewingdon Wood in Streatley on a Tuesday. Tasks include removing unwanted saplings and small trees, installing a handrail next to steps, installing a bench and scraping away topsoil.
Training can be provided – if you have gardening, conservation (or even DIY) practical skills, these would be welcome, but are not necessary. Volunteering takes place between 10am and 2pm; committing for the whole day would be great but there can be flexibility.
Ref V372
For additional advice and guidance on volunteering roles, please contact Volunteer Centre West Berkshire via vbase@vcwb.org.uk or call 01635 49004